WINNERS: THE BIG BREAKAWAY (4/9), PUT THE KETTLE ON (Advised @ 2/1)

Ante-Post Advice

GALOPIN DES CHAMPS – Any race at the Cheltenham Festival @ 25/1

Quote: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS: “Has reportedly impressed his new connections since arriving from France during the summer. Described as a ‘beautiful horse’ by Willie Mullins, he won his only start at Auteuil in May when handled by Arnaud Chaille-Chaille before being snapped up by Ireland’s champion trainer. Entered in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse (29^th November), the Timos gelding is expected to develop into an exciting novice and I suggest backing him for next March’s Cheltenham Festival.”WON the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham (19/3/21) @ 8/1

FRENCH REVOLUTION – Part II: WINNERS: GOOD BALL (9/4, 2/1), KALKAS (2/1), SHENTRI (7/4), TEAHUPOO (4/1, 4/9)

Quote: TEAHUPOO: “Gordon Elliott is training the unbeaten Teahupoo having been purchased on behalf of Robcour. The three year old by Masked Marvel beat Good Ball by a length and a quarter in the Prix Emilius (conditions hurdle) at Auteuil last month. Leading on the approach to the final furlong, the Gab Leenders trained gelding stayed on strongly after the last and looked a smart sort. His new stable already have the likes of Quilixios, Zanahiyr and Duffle Coat in the juvenile hurdle department and this once raced three year old looks another useful addition to the squad.”WON on his Irish debut at Fairyhouse (16/1/21) @ 4/1

Plus: ALBORKAN (9/1), ASHINGTON (4/1), BELLATRIXSA (Evens), CAPE GENTLEMAN (5/4, 5/2), ELYSIAN FLAME (5/2), HILL SIXTEEN (2/1 & 11/10), IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (5/1), IMPERIAL STORM (8/13), L’AIR DU VENT (2/1), MY DROGO (4 wins – 100/30, 9/1, 2/1, 5/4), SAGE ADVICE (7/4), ZANAVI (25/1)

Quote: “Speaking to Dan at Aintree last Saturday, he passed on news of another highly promising youngster, namely MY DROGO. A five year old by Milan, he was sent off 50/1 on his racecourse debut in a hotly contested bumper at Cheltenham’s showcase meeting last month. Making good headway coming down the hill, the Richard Kelvin-Hughes owned gelding stormed home to finish a length and three quarters second behind the highly regarded I Am Maximus. Dan described the once raced gelding as ‘exceptional’ and the plan is for him to make his debut over hurdles at Newbury’s winter Festival (27^th November). There is a two miles maiden hurdle, which the stable introduced French recruit Captain Forez to finish third in 2016.” WON at Newbury @ 100/30 – he went on to win all 4 of his starts over hurdles, including a Grade 2 at Ascot (9/1) and Grade 1 at Aintree (5/4).

Quote: “ZANAVI was acquired at the same sale by Denis Hogan for €34,000. A three year old gelding by Champs Elysees, he was trained by Dermot Weld and, having shown little on his belated racecourse debut at Roscommon (1m 2f : Heavy) in early July, he ran considerably better next time. Reappearing at the Curragh (1m 4f : Soft) over three months later, he stayed on well in second behind the Jessica Harrington filly Flor De La Luna conceding five pounds. Lightly raced, he could prove a fine dual purpose horse for his new connections.” WON over hurdles at Fairyhouse (22/2/21) by 13 lengths @ 25/1

Quote: “I have got a lot of time for Emmet Mullins as a trainer and he is set to unleash CAPE GENTLEMAN over obstacles this winter. Previously trained by Nicolas Clement in France, he won over a mile and six at Clairefontaine last season before being purchased for €80,000 at the Arqana Sale in October 2019. The four year old has only run twice for Mullins finishing five lengths runner-up to Mt Leinster at Listowel (1m 6f : Soft) in September. He then won the Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh (2m : Soft) by a couple of lengths off a mark of 85. Bought as a dual purpose horse, he has only had five runs during his career and couldn’t be in better hands.” WON twice over hurdles, including the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton (27/2/21) @ 5/2

Quote: “HILL SIXTEEN is a horse I have followed since Declan Phelan included him in his Irish Pointers section in OJA during the 2018/2019 season. Even though he won a couple of times over hurdles and fences, the former Trevor Hemmings owned gelding never quite lived up to expectations. A winner at Sedgefield in January, he is rated 126 over fences and could have more to offer. Sold for £46,000 at the Goffs UK September sale as part of Trevor’s dispersal, he is now owned by Million In Mind and in training with Nigel Twiston-Davies. The Court Cave gelding was placed behind the likes of One For Rosie and Windsor Avenue as a novice hurdler and has plenty of ability but still looked raw. If his new trainer can find the key to him then he could have a progressive young chaser on his hands.” WON his first two starts for Nigel Twiston-Davies @ 2/1 & 11/10.

KAUTO STAR NOVICES’ CHASE: SHAN BLUE (Advised @ 2/1)

Quote: “SHAN BLUE won his only Irish point for Andrew Slattery before being bought privately to join Dan Skelton. A six year old by Shantou, he won over hurdles at Southwell last season before chasing home Shishkin in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial at Huntingdon. Beaten 27 lengths in sixth in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, he has improved since sent chasing recording two emphatic victories at Wetherby in October. A fourteen lengths winner on his fencing bow (2m 3f), he was even more impressive next time at the same track 16 days later. Following a terrific round of jumping, he pulled sixteen lengths clear of Snow Leopardess conceding thirteen pounds – the runner-up has won a decent handicap at Haydock since and is rated 135. He was due to run at Huntingdon at the beginning of the month (meeting abandoned) and therefore arrives here fresh (off 57 days). Unbeaten over three miles, his record racing right-handed is 12 (won his point-to-point) and he has won on good and heavy ground.” Advised @ 2/1 - WON the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton (26/12/20)

Quote: ADRIMEL: “His trainer has entered him in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury (29^th December) but I am hoping he will wait for the Grade 2 Leamington Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick (16^th January). The two miles five event is invariably run in a bog and that will suit him. Don’t be surprised to see him sport cheekpieces at some stage.” WON the Grade 2 Leamington Novices’ Hurdle @ 7/2 (wearing cheekpieces for the first time)

Quote: BOB OLINGER: “Henry De Bromhead once again has a strong team of youngsters but few are more exciting than this Sholokhov gelding. A wide margin point and bumper winner last season, the five year old had the misfortune to bump into the Cheltenham Festival bumper winner Ferny Hollow on his hurdles debut at Gowran (2m) last month. Beaten a length by Willie Mullins’ winner, he ran very well though and was thirty one lengths clear of the third. Stepped up half a mile at Navan last week, he trounced his rivals by upwards of fourteen lengths making all and never looking in danger. Scruffy over the last two flights, his jumping was largely good and he is a horse with a huge amount of ability. He looks tailormade for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.” WON the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (17/3/21) @ 6/4

Quote: METIER: “Rated 88 on the Flat for Andy Slattery, he was acquired for 150,000gns over a year ago and his new connections have been rewarded for their patience. Harry Fry has a high-class novice hurdler on his hands, if his two performances at Newton Abbot and Ascot are anything to go by. The gelded son of Mastercraftsman has shown a real aptitude for his new discipline producing a good round of jumping to win at the West Country track in late October. Leading at the third last, Sean Bowen’s mount breezed clear to win easily. Three weeks later, he made it two out of two in an Introductory hurdle at Ascot making all and beating Tile Topper by five and a half lengths conceding five pounds to the runner-up. Both wins have been gained on heavy or soft ground which bodes well for his next target the Grade 1 Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown (2^nd January), which is invariably run in testing conditions. It represents a significant rise in class but he looks ready for it with his stable in tremendous form (5 winners from their last 16 runners (31%) during the last 14 days).” WON the Tolworth Hurdle by 12 lengths @ 7/4

The IRISH ANGLE by Declan PHELAN: WINNERS: GINTO (5/6), JOURNEY WITH ME (4/7), KILBEG KING (7/4), STAKER WALLACE (4/7)

Quote: “KILBEG KING (an impressive physical specimen) joins Anthony Honeyball and, if he can remain injury free (a problem up to now), the purchase fee of £45,000 earlier this month may prove to be a shrewd piece of business (another requiring soft/heavy).” WON by seven and a half lengths at Uttoxeter (20/3/21) on his Rules debut @ 7/4

Quote: “The banker of the Limerick Festival is STAKER WALLACE in the hunters’ chase on Sunday December 27^th (1.30): he has a brace of point wins to his name and some smart hunter chase form. He was placed second in two Opens already this winter, and his form is head and shoulders above the rest of the entrants in this hunter chase. I expect him to win this race at his leisure, though the odds of reward are likely to be in the 4/6 range.” WON @ 4/7

THE HORSE I AM MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING OVER CHRISTMAS:

ANTHONY BROMLEY: GOOD BALL – WON at Newbury (29/12/20) @ 9/4

FRENCH REVOLUTION – Part III : WINNERS: HOMME PUBLIC (11/8), RIVIERE D’ETEL (8/15)

Quote: RIVIERE D’ETEL: “Well bred, she is a full-sister to Listed hurdles winner Ria D’Etel and a half-sister to Paul Nicholls’ 135 rated winning chaser Kapcorse. Trained by Yannick Fouin, the grey daughter of Martaline finished fifth on her only start on the Flat at Clairefontaine (1m 4f : Soft) under Pierre-Charles Boudot in late July. Switching codes, she made her hurdles debut in the Prix Finot at Auteuil (2m 2f : Very Soft) in September, a Listed event for fillies. Attempting to make all, she jumped well and was still in front at the last. Headed on the run-in by Obeone (see page 149 of OJA), she was beaten a length and a half with the pair pulling twenty lengths clear of the third. Both fillies looked smart. Purchased since by big spending owners Noel and Valerie Moran, she is now in training with Gordon Elliott and will presumably go juvenile hurdling in the New Year and will make a fine broodmare one day, too.” WON by 12 lengths on her Irish debut at Punchestown (31/12/20)

Talking Trainers with EVAN WILLIAMS

Quote: SECRET REPRIEVE: “The Welsh National at Chepstow on Sunday (27^th December) is his target and I have thought for sometime that he is the right type of horse for the race. I have always liked him, but he suffered with sore shins last year and we could never get into a rhythm with him. We sorted his shins out and have given him plenty of time. Having only had a handful of runs over fences, he lacks chasing experience which could count against him. However, if everything stays right and things fall into place on the day, I wouldn’t swap him for anything else in the field. A faller at Haydock on his reappearance, I wanted to run him in a good race but he got caught out and hit the floor. He was good at Chepstow last time though winning by a dozen lengths and, while he incurs a four pounds penalty, he is set to race off a twelve pounds higher mark in future. Adam (Wedge) will ride him at Chepstow and he is in very good form at home.” WON the Welsh National at Chepstow @ 5/2

Quote: SILVER STREAK: “It is a quick turnaround but we are going to run him in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday (26^th). Runner-up in the race last year, it won’t be easy with Epatante in the field once again, but the ground is likely to suit him and he has a good record at the track.” WON the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton (26/12/20) @ 13/2

WINNERS: BASS ROCK (17/2), BEAR GHYLLS (10/11), BOB AND CO (11/8, 1/5, 3/1), CADZAND (5/2), EILEENDOVER (11/8), EKLAT DE RIRE (11/4), SIRWILLIAMWALLACE (6/4)

Quote: “As stated in the November Update, owner Ray Green is a great planner when it comes to his team of horses and he is certain to have an end of season target in mind for the ex-French trained BASS ROCK. Fifth on his only start over hurdles for Dominique Bresou, he was beaten seven and a half lengths at Clairefontaine (2m 1f : Very Soft) in July 2019, in a race which has worked out well – the first four home have all won since. Transferred to the UK this year, he joined Sandy Thomson and has finished runner-up on both occasions at Carlisle this Autumn. Beaten three lengths by Stoner’s Choice (won again since and now rated 139) in October, he filled the same position in arrears of the 90 rated Flat racer Severance over three weeks later. Yet to race beyond two miles one, the Martaline gelding will be suited by a step up to two and a half miles and an opening mark of 117 underestimates his ability.” WON on his handicap debut at Ayr (18/4/21) @ 17/2

Quote: “BOB AND CO is already a dual hunter chase winner registering victories at Bangor and Fontwell in February. Rated 146 over fences, the nine year old had spells with Emmanuel Clayeux, Francois Nicolle and Gabriel Leenders in France before joining Paul Nicholls last year. A strong stayer, the Dom Alco gelding has reportedly undergone wind surgery since his last run and ought to be a force in the leading events this season.” WON 3 hunter chases, including the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown (30/4/21) @ 3/1

Quote: “Provided the ground isn’t too testing at Kempton on Sunday, CADZAND doesn’t look overburdened on his handicap debut in the concluding Watch Racing Free Online At Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (3.40). Rated 129, Dan Skelton’s gelding has always had a lofty reputation since winning a UK point-to-point for Tom Lacey in March 2019. Placed in two bumpers at Newbury and Warwick, he underwent wind surgery soon afterwards and has run twice over hurdles this term. Beaten nine and a half lengths behind Do Your Job (runner-up in a Listed race since) at Ayr in late October, he may not have appreciated the testing conditions. He had no trouble going one better at Warwick (Good/Soft) the following month when readily seeing off Twominutes Turkish by five and a half lengths in receipt of six pounds. This will be his first run on a right-handed track but Kempton ought to play to his strengths given his high cruising speed. Good to soft is ideal with form figures on such a surface being 1321.” WON at Kempton @ 5/2

Quote: “EKLAT DE RIRE is one of Declan Phelan’s Irish Pointers in OJA (page 155) and the big strapping Saddex gelding made a splendid start to his chasing career when galloping his six opponents into submission at Punchestown (3m 1f : Heavy) this month. Rachel Blackmore’s mount jumped well and was always towards the forefront of the field. Taking over at the fourth last, he stayed on strongly to beat the 134 rated School Boy Hours, who had also finished runner-up behind Latest Exhibition at the same track in October. Henry De Bromhead indicated afterwards that a Grade 3 at Naas over three miles (31^st January) is likely to be his next target – stablemate Chris’s Dream finished runner-up in the race in 2019.” WON at Naas @ 11/4

BETFAIR HURDLE: SOARING GLORY (Advised @ 12/1 WON @ 17/2)

Quote: “SOARING GLORY is another very good novice amongst the field and the six year old’s trainer Jonjo O’Neill sent out Get Me Out of Here to win this during his first season over hurdles in 2010 (rated 135). The same trainer was also responsible for Vicario Di Bray who finished runner-up in 1989 when sent off 4/7 favourite. Twice a bumper winner last season, the six year old has only won once over hurdles but is the only horse to have beaten subsequent Grade 1 winner Bravemansgame over obstacles this season. He got the better of Paul Nicholls’ 150 rated hurdler at Chepstow in October. Runner-up behind the sidelined Dusart over C&D in November conceding six pounds, he then fell at the second last at Wetherby when seemingly going strongly. Six lengths third behind My Drogo in a Grade 2 at Ascot before Christmas, this has been the plan since (off 57 days). Well handicapped off 133, he is a big threat provided his jumping stands the test and the ground isn’t too demanding. His record on good and good/soft is 112F compared to 123 on soft/heavy. Best Price: 12/1 (Bet365).” ADVISED @ 12/1 WON at Newbury (21/2/21) by three lengths @ 17/2

Quote: “Olly Murphy sent out Thomas Darby to finish third in this event last season and Gordon Elliott’s former assistant plans to run another of his stable stars, namely BREWIN’UPASTORM in the two and a half miles event later this month. Despite winning a couple of times last season, things haven’t gone to plan over fences for the eight year old. The former pointer lost his jockey at the fourth last in the Arkle Trophy last spring and he finished last in both the Colin Parker Memorial Chase and Tingle Creek Chase at Carlisle and Sandown respectively earlier this term. Reverting to hurdles at Taunton (2m 3f) last time, he defied top weight and a rating of 148 to beat nine rivals by upwards of eleven lengths. Now rated 155, he looked much happier over hurdles and it is worth remembering the Milan gelding was fourth in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and runner-up in Grade 1 company at Aintree during the 2018/2019 season. Despite the fact all five of his wins under Rules have been gained on right-handed tracks, he won his Irish point going left-handed and, as stated, he produced career best efforts at Aintree and Cheltenham. I confirmed with Olly on Saturday that this is his target and he will hopefully take plenty of beating.” BREWIN’UPASTORM WON the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell (28/2/21) @ 3/1

Quote: EASY AS THAT: “If his jumping frailties can be remedied, the dual bumper winner is favourably handicapped over hurdles off 114. From the family of Time For Rupert, he looks ready for a step up in trip, which would also give him more time over his obstacles. The ability is there but his jumping technique requires more fine tuning. He is in the right hands to exploit such a lenient looking mark (entered at Chepstow (3.50) on Friday (5^th February) in a 2m 3f handicap hurdle).” WON at Chepstow (5/2/21) by 9 lengths @ 85/40

Quote: GALOPIN DES CHAMPS: “Yet to race beyond two miles two, a step up in distance won’t go amiss and I am hoping Ireland’s champion trainer will also enter him in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the Festival.” WON the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham (19/3/21) @ 8/1

Talking Trainers with DONALD McCAIN: WINNERS: BAREBACK JACK (5/2), DREAMS OF HOME (4/5, 2/5), FIVEANDTWENTY (6/4), FRUIT N NUT (3/1), GAELIK COAST (85/40), MACKENBERG (5/6, 5/4), MILANS EDGE (11/10), MINELLA DRAMA (13/8)

Quote: GAELIK COAST: “Even though he has been running over two miles, I think he will be suited by stepping up to two and a half miles. With that in mind, we might also enter him in the Frodon Novices’ Chase at Musselburgh on Saturday (6^th February). He is a very good jumper.” WON at Musselburgh @ 85/40

Quote: MILANS EDGE: “She is a nice mare who I like and she has sharpened up a lot since arriving. We will aim her at a mares’ bumper.” WON a mares’ bumper at Wetherby (23/2/21) by nine and a half lengths @ 11/10.

7 WINNERS: SHISHKIN (6/1), ENVOI ALLEN (Advised @ 5/4), DAME DE COMPAGNIE (Advised @ 10/1), FERNY HOLLOW (Advised @ 12/1), SAMCRO (Advised @ 7/1), SAINT ROI (Advised @ 20/1), AL BOUM PHOTO (Advised @ 4/1)

Quote: “SHISHKIN (Top 40) is another former Irish pointer having won one of his two starts for Virginia Considine. Purchased on behalf of owner Joe Donnelly for £170,000, he was a smooth eight lengths winner of a Kempton bumper for Nicky Henderson last March. An early casualty (fell at the second) on his hurdles debut at Newbury in December, he made amends in no uncertain terms at the same venue the following month with an easy eleven lengths success. Stepped up to two miles three in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial NH at Huntingdon last month, he barely came off the bridle to beat the 139 rated Shan Blue by the same margin. The Seven Barrows team have won this three times (River Ceiriog (1986), Flown (1992) and Altior (2016) and this Sholokhov gelding looks top-class.” WON the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle @ 6/1

Quote: “DAME DE COMPAGNIE is also entered in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap on Friday. A French bumper winner and runner-up over hurdles at Auteuil when trained by Adrien Lacombe, she has won 3 of her 7 races over hurdles in total. Rated 140, she won a Listed mares’ novice hurdle over C&D in April 2018 before being off the track for 577 days. Returning to action in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, she stayed on well in fifth behind Harambe off 132. Stepped up in distance, Nicky Henderson’s mare won a handicap hurdle by four and a half lengths over C&D in December. Upped ten pounds since, she has purposely been kept fresh (90 days) and bids to become the first mare to win this. Her record at the track is 5151 with both wins gained on the New course and her form figures over 2m 3f/2m 4f are 211.” Advised @ 10/1, WON the Coral Cup @ 5/1

Quote: “FERNY HOLLOW (Top 40) was a fifteen lengths winner of his only point-to-point for Colin Bowe in February last year. Purchased soon afterwards for £300,000, the five year old has only won one of his three starts in bumpers since joining Willie Mullins. Too keen at both Fairyhouse and Leopardstown, the five year old finished runner-up behind Joseph O’Brien trained opponents on each occasion, namely Eric Bloodaxe and Forged In Fire respectively. Fitted with a hood for the first time at Fairyhouse last month, he was held up and settled better under Patrick Mullins and won handsomely. A four and a quarter lengths scorer from On Eagles Wings, it is a relatively quick turnaround (18 days) but his chance will depend on how he settles. With Patrick Mullins expected to partner the favourite Appreciate It, there must be every chance Paul Townend will partner him for the first time in public. His trainer is looking for his tenth win in the race and there is no doubt this gelded son of Westerner has the ability to go close.” Advised @ 12/1 WON the Grade 1 bumper @ 11/1

Quote: “SAMCRO has been much maligned during the last season and a half having only won one of his last seven starts. A top-class novice hurdler a couple of years ago, he won two Grade 1 events, including the Ballymore NH at this meeting. Gordon Elliott could never get him right last winter as he pursued a Champion Hurdle campaign. Sent chasing in the Autumn, he was a seventeen lengths winner at Down Royal (wore a tongue tie) in November. Going well and virtually upsides Fakir D’Oudairies when crashing out at the second last in the Grade 1 Drinmore NC at Fairyhouse next time, he then produced a tame effort last time. Beaten ten lengths by Faugheen at Limerick on Boxing Day, the eight year old found little off the bridle from the second last. Found to have scoped badly afterwards, he has had a wind operation since. His record at Grade 1 level is 11F25F2. Gordon Elliott won this a couple of years ago with Shattered Love but no eight year old has every landed the prize. On his day, the Germany gelding is top-class and it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if he bounced back, especially if Davy Russell rides him for the first time in public.” Advised @ 7/1 WON the Marsh Novices’ Chase @ 4/1

Quote: “SAINT ROI is included on page 149 of One Jump Ahead and there is every reason to believe the ex-French gelding will prove considerably better than his opening mark of 137. Runner-up on the Flat and placed over hurdles at Auteuil (Listed) when handled by Guy Cherel, the five year old has only had a couple of runs for J.P.McManus and Willie Mullins. Bitterly disappointing on his Irish debut at Clonmel (2m 3f) in December finishing a remote fifth, the Coastal Path gelding was sent off 1/3 favourite. However, he showed his true worth next time when dropped back to two miles at Tramore on New Year’s Day. In the same maiden hurdle in which Notebook had defeated Janidil twelve months earlier, he ran out an emphatic nine lengths winner from Arcadian Sunrise (won twice since). His trainer commented afterwards: “He could be a good novice by the time Punchestown comes around.” He has plenty more to offer.” Advised @ 20/1 WON the County Hurdle @ 11/2

Quote: “AL BOUM PHOTO will become the first horse since Best Mate in 2004 to win successive Cheltenham Gold Cups. The Buck’s Boum gelding has won 5 of his 10 races over fences, including his two and a half lengths victory in the race last year. Runner-up behind Kemboy at the Punchestown Festival next time, he warmed up for this in the same Grade 3 chase at Tramore on New Year’s Day which he won last season. A six lengths winner, the time was good and the runner-up Acapella Bourgeois has won the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase by fifteen lengths since. Still relatively unexposed over three miles plus (5FR12), he gets on well with Paul Townend (151R121) and has purposely been kept fresh since (72 days off). A faller in the RSA Chase a couple of years ago, he warrants his place at the head of the market.” Advised @ 4/1 WON the Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 100/30

FESTIVAL PREVIEW ROUND-UPS:

KIM BAILEY: Quote: “IMPERIAL AURA (novices’ handicap chase) has done all his preparation with Vinndication and looks fantastic. Runner-up at Cheltenham in January, I think he is better than he showed that day because we had to get a third run into him to qualify for this. He has course experience and goes there a worthy favourite.” WON @ 4/1

ANTHONY BROMLEY:Quote: “CONCERTISTA (Mares’ Novice Hurdle): “Beaten a short head by one of her stablemates in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle last year, she will attempt to go one better on Thursday. Third in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown last time, she appreciated the drier ground on that occasion. We are hoping conditions will dry out at Cheltenham between now and then.” WON @ 9/2

PAUL CARBERRY: Quote: “The third and final preview I attended was in the shadows of Fir Park, the home of Motherwell Football Club, on Friday. Over 150 flocked into the Club 100 to listen to the views of PAUL CARBERRY, Ian Robinson (owner of Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander) and James Griffin (assistant trainer). Carberry, who rode 14 Festival winners, was very keen on AL BOUM PHOTO for the Gold Cup having watched him school after racing at Navan last Tuesday. His nap of the meeting is SAMCRO in the Marsh Novices’ Chase on Thursday. “I rode Samcro in a schooling race before he made his chasing debut at Down Royal in the Autumn. He worked with Battleoverdoyen and Delta Work and beat them by twenty lengths. He felt like an aeroplane. I am hoping Keith (Donoghue) rides him on Thursday because he has done all the work on him. He bled at Limerick last time but, if Gordon (Elliott) can get him back to his best, there is nothing in that field which will be able to live with him.”

RICH RICCI: The HORSE I AM MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO: MIN. WON the Ryanair Chase @ 2/1

TALKING TRAINERS: PAUL NICHOLLS: WINNER: POLITOLOGUE (6/1)

Quote: POLITOLOGUE (Queen Mother Champion Chase (Wednesday)): “I have backed him at 33/1 for the Champion Chase because I think he is a massive price. He ran an awesome race in it last year finishing second less than two lengths behind Altior. Runner-up behind Defi Du Seuil on his reappearance in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November, he was conceding three pounds to the winner. He then bled when running below par in the Tingle Creek at Sandown and we have purposely kept him fresh since. The softer the ground, the better his chance and, granted such conditions, I am very hopeful he will finish in the first three. He had a racecourse gallop at Wincanton last Thursday and did a fantastic piece of work. He is very fit and at his best when fresh, and the fact Un De Sceaux isn’t in the line up is a major plus because he can bowl along in front and try and stretch them.” WON @ 6/1

DATES FOR THE DIARY:

Saturday 14^th March – UTTOXETER – 3.35 Midlands Grand National

“Paul Nicholls has never won the four and a quarter miles event but he plans to run his Welsh National runner-up TRUCKERS LODGE. The eight year old has only raced four times over fences and remains unexposed. Rated 141, the Westerner gelding won at Chepstow in late October before finishing a length and three quarters runner-up at the same track over Christmas off 139. Only a couple of pounds higher, the champion trainer intended running the former Tom George inmate in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February but he incurred a cut and was forced to miss out. His record on heavy ground is 212 and it is hoped top weight De Rasher Counter stands his ground, otherwise the weights will rise by at least seven pounds. He is currently available at 10/1 with Coral & Ladbrokes.” Advised @ 10/1 WON the Midlands National by 18 lengths @ 6/1

Tuesday 17^th March – DOWN ROYAL

“Dermot McLoughlin is reportedly targeting the mares’ bumper at the Northern Ireland track on St Patrick’s day with the once raced DELVINO. A five year old by Dylan Thomas, she is a half-sister to Avellino who won three times for the same stable. She shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up behind the more experienced Julies Stowaway, who had finished second twice at Navan and Limerick, with the highly regarded Ballyadam in third. A reproduction of that run will make her difficult to beat.” WON @ 4/5

7 WINNERS: MONMIRAL (10/11), ABACADABRAS (5/1), CHANTRY HOUSE (11/8), LIVELOVELAUGH (15/2), MY DROGO (Advised @ 5/2), SHISHKIN (1/8), MINELLA TIMES (Advised @ 12/1)

Plus: SULLY D’OCC AA (Advised @ 25/1 – 2^nd @ 12/1), JOHNBB (Advised @ 16/1 – 2^nd @ 9/1), ANY SECOND NOW (Advised @ 10/1 – 3^rd in the Grand National @ 15/2)

Quote: “MINELLA TIMES has yet to race beyond three miles but is bred to stay longer distances and could excel over this marathon trip. From the family of Borders National winner Rambling Minster, the eight year old doesn’t look overburdened off 146 and remains lightly raced over fences (only 10 starts). A faller in his only Irish point when handled by John Nallen, expert Declan Phelan commented in the 2017/2018 edition of One Jump Ahead: “A beautifully structured bay gelding: may have the ability to match his looks. Moved through from third, five out, to lead three out and had the race put to bed only to fall at the final fence on his one run at Belclare (R) (Yielding) in April: he was on his way to a 10 out of 10 first effort until trapped by the final fence. He relaxed and travelled as asked during the race and showed gears to inject pace in gaining control. On this evidence he could develop into a very classy horse: over many years, I have noted last fence “unfortunate” fallers tend to be horses worth following from pointing ranks….Gold Cup winners such as Mr Mulligan and War Of Attrition were also last fence fallers in points. John Nallen sold this four year old’s older brother to Tom George in 2016, Cruiseaway, he too is talented but with issues. Nallen cashed in with a private sale of this four year old to J.P. McManus (six figures) and I gather that Henry de Bromhead is training him. Hopefully Minella Times will mature into a proper straight forward racehorse and, if he does, he would be one you would expect to see competing in decent races at future Cheltenham Festivals.” A dual winner over fences, including at Listowel (2m 6f) in September off 130. Rachel Blackmore (1122) was on board and remarked: “He’s a real stayer. He’s a typical one of Henry’s and it makes a jockeys life easier when they can jump as well as him.” Four and a half lengths second in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown in December off 136, he was staying on at the death. The eight year old completed his preparation at the Dublin Racing Festival when half a length second to the same owner’s Off You Go in another competitive handicap chase (2m 5f). That event has produced subsequent winners Goose Man (6^th), Bapaume (11^th) and Myth Buster (12^th). Effective on any ground, his record over three miles is F22. He has major claims with the jockey of the moment on top. Best Price: 12/1 (Bet365, Paddy Power, William Hill).” Advised @ 12/1 WON the Grand National by six and a half lengths @ 11/1

Quote: “ABACADABRAS tackles the trip for the first time but he is a half-brother to a 2m 3f winner. The sharp track and decent ground will play to the strengths of the dual Grade 1 winner. The seven year old won the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown by a neck in November before disappointing at Leopardstown in late December when his stable were under a cloud. Beaten ten lengths by Honeysuckle in the Irish Champion Hurdle over the same C&D in February, he was an early faller in the Champion Hurdle last time. The Davidoff gelding hit the floor at the third flight. He hasn’t raced on good to soft or better ground since October 2019 (1R21) and is a high-class horse on his day. A proven Grade 1 performer, he likes drying ground and has speed. This track should play to his strengths. There have been nine Irish trained winners this century.” WON the Aintree Hurdle @ 5/1

Quote: “LIVELOVELAUGH has been targeted at this race all season and, despite being an eleven year old (Always Waining was the last winner from his age group in 2012) and only winning one of his eighteen races over fences, he has leading claims. Willie Mullins has won this twice with Its Time For A Win (2002) and Cadmium (2019). The Beneficial gelding ran well for a long way in the Grand National in 2019 until his stamina gave way after the third last. Without a win since January 2018, he has been placed four times this season, including twice at Leopardstown. Third behind Off You Go at the Dublin Racing Festival in February off 135, he jumped brilliantly next time only to get collared close home by Mitchouka in a similar event over the same C&D (2m 5f) last month off 137 (runs off 145 here). Decent ground is ideal.” WON the Topham Chase @ 15/2

Quote: “MY DROGO chased home I Am Maximus on his debut in a bumper at Cheltenham in October but hasn’t looked back since winning three out of three over hurdles. A well bred gelding by Milan, he is out of seven times winner My Petra (won a Grade 2 chase over 2m 3f). Following his win at Newbury’s Winter Festival, he then landed the Grade 2 Kennel Gate NH at Ascot before Christmas by nearly three lengths (Soaring Glory was third). Given a break of 78 days, Dan Skelton purposely missed the Cheltenham Festival, instead he reappeared in the Grade 2 Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso (2m 2f) last month. Staying on strongly after the last, he beat Do Your Job by nine and a half lengths conceding five pounds. His racing style and pedigree suggests he will be even better over this trip.” Advised @ 5/2 WON the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle @ 5/4

Quote: “SULLY D’OC AA is another horse who has benefited from a wind operation. A three times winner over hurdles in France, the Konig Turf gelding beat the aforementioned Editeur Du Gite by nearly lengths five lengths at Ascot (2m 3f) in October off 125 (now rated 136). Third at Newbury behind Clondaw Castle off 135, he was then absent for 111 days. Anthony Honeyball’s lightly raced chaser contested the Paddy Power Plate at the Cheltenham Festival and, while the seven year old ran well for a long way, the trip may have stretched his stamina. A strongly run two miles on drying ground – his trainer is adamant he doesn’t want soft ground – will suit.” Advised @ 25/1 finished 2^nd in the Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase @ 12/1

Quote: “JOHNBB could be an interesting proposition stepping up in trip. From the family of Operation Houdini (won over 3m 1f) and Tommy Rapper (won over 2m 7f), the Stowaway gelding is bred to stay and is lightly raced this campaign. Rated 137, he won by four and a quarter lengths at Wetherby (2m 3f) in November – and had the subsequent Grand Sefton Chase winner Beau Bay back in fifth. A faller next time at the same track, he is very good fresh (105 days) and his record on good or good to soft ground is 231. It is worth recalling Tom Lacey’s comments on page 93 of One Jump Ahead: “Successful over fences at Sandown in December, he doesn’t want over racing because he appears to be best fresh and hasn’t always backed up next time. I also think he will benefit from some nicer ground. Despite his win at Sandown being gained over two miles, he needs further. Two and a half miles handicap chases will be on his agenda and I would love to try him over the National fences at Aintree one day.” The Herefordshire trainer has also entered him in the Bet365 Gold Cup (3m 5f) later in the month and he won this with Thomas Patrick in 2018.” Advised @ 16/1 finished 2^nd in the Grade 3 Betway Handicap Chase @ 9/1

SPRING WATCH:

“MILKWOOD doesn’t look too badly treated either off a mark of 142, provided the ground isn’t soft. Suited by flat, left handed tracks on decent ground, Neil Mulholland’s charge won at Ffos Las in October before finishing fourth behind Sceau Royal in the Welsh Champion Hurdle over the same C&D when rated 141. Unlucky in the Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury, the Dylan Thomas gelding was badly hampered at the second last. Robbie Dunne is his regular partner, but the Irishman hasn’t excelled on either of his last couple of rides aboard him. Firstly, he was positioned too far back in the Betfair Hurdle in February and then, secondly, he made his move much too soon in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Beaten two and a quarter lengths by Belfast Banter, he travelled strongly but his rider should have sat and waited longer. Raised two pounds since, this has been his target since with his trainer commenting: “With hindsight, I think Robbie (Dunne) wishes he’d held on to him a bit longer, but I’m happy with his run. We rode him a bit handier today and he settled well, so I was pleased about that, but something has struck into him and taken a hind shoe off. We’ll look now at the Scottish Champion Hurdle, where the track will suit him." Available at 10/1 (generally), he is expected to go well, provided the heavens don’t open.” Advised @ 10/1 WON the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (18/4/21) @ 3/1

BROOMFIELD BURG: “A four lengths winner on his debut for Richard Harding in early October, he was purchased the following month by J.P.McManus for £90,000. Much too keen on his Rules bow in a bumper at Newbury in January, he weakened and only finished seventh. However, his homework since has reportedly been out of the top drawer – there is every chance he will wear a hood on his next outing. Provided he settles, it will be well worth waiting for.” WON by eight and a half lengths at Southwell (4/5/21) @ 3/1