There were 28 Races on Tuesday 12th March 2024 across 4 meetings. There was 7 races at Cheltenham, 6 races at Sedgefield, 7 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Southwell, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (9)  (7/2 +50%)Slade Steel |
7/2(+50%) |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9) Slade Steel 7/2, Point/bumper winner who has made a promising start over hurdles, digging deep to land 2½m Grade 2 at Navan in December. Found only the potentially exceptional Ballyburn too good back at 2m in Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time and open to further improvement. One to take very seriously. May ideally need a return to 2m4f but he's progressive and a big player on form. |
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2nd (8)  (10/3 -11%)Mystical Power |
10/3(-11%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) Mystical Power 10/3, Out of top-class hurdler Annie Power and has looked a very good prospect in 3 runs so far, showing a striking turn of foot to maintain his unbeaten record in Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle at Punchestown (16.7f) 58 days ago. More to come and needs taking very seriously. Hood on for 1st time. Out of Annie Power; has duly made a big splash and looks a Grade 1 winner in waiting. |
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3rd (3)  (11/2 -38%)Firefox |
11/2(-38%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Firefox 11/2, Useful, 3-time bumper winner who impressed on all fronts when beating Ballyburn by 2½ lengths back over hurdles at Fairyhouse (2m) in December. Had winning streak ended without obvious excuses up in grade at Naas (20f) but it's still early days as a hurdler and return to 2m could suit. Could well resume his good progress back down in distance; remains of strong interest. |
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4th (1)  (16/1 +36%)Asian Master |
16/1(+36%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Asian Master 16/1, Looked a useful prospect on first run since leaving A. G. Costello after 8 months off when winning 15-runner maiden at Thurles (15.9f, good to soft) on hurdles bow in December. Jumped soundly when following up at Navan (2m) subsequently but yard seemingly has stronger claims elsewhere. 2-2 for new stable; promising sort but his amateur rider cannot utilise 7lb claim. |
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5th (7)  (18/1 -50%)Mistergif |
18/1(-50%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Mistergif 18/1, Just fair form in a couple of outings in France but looked a totally different proposition starting out for new connections after 11 months off when making all in impressive fashion in 2m Limerick maiden. The opposition was nothing to write home about, but he looks sure to go on to better things. Recorded a wide-margin win at Limerick on debut for Willie Mullins; interesting prospect. |
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6th (2)  (28/1 +44%)Favour And Fortune |
28/1(+44%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Favour And Fortune 28/1, Dual bumper winner who had no problem landing the odds on his first 2 starts over hurdles and took another step forward when runner-up in the Grade 1 Formby at Aintree on Boxing Day. Ran to a similar level in defeat in a small-field listed event at Exeter since but more needed back up in class. Consistent but has something to find and needs to jump more proficiently than last time. |
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7th (10)  (66/1 +34%)Supersundae |
66/1(+34%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10) Supersundae 66/1, Improved on debut form when second of 14 in 4-y-o event at Compiegne in April 2023. Has since joined Willie Mullins but faces a mighty task after 11 months off. Ex-French 5yo who has loads to find on bare figures; debut for Willie Mullins. |
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8th (12)  (11/4 +31%)Tullyhill |
11/4(+31%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (12) Tullyhill 11/4, Smart bumper performer. Turned over at short odds on hurdle debut but most progressive since, jumping better than previously when following up his Naas maiden win in dominant fashion in 8-runner listed event at Punchestown (15.9f) 23 days ago. Better still to come. Impressive all-the-way wins the last twice, latest in Listed event; leading contender. |
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9th (6)  (150/1 -50%)Kings Hill |
150/1(-50%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) Kings Hill 150/1, Didn't need to improve to get off the mark at the third time of asking in a 12-runner maiden at Thurles (15.6f, soft) 28 days ago, pushed out. This is a whole different ball game and will almost certainly be outclassed. Justified favouritism at Thurles four weeks ago but that form is nothing special. |
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10th (11)  (14/1 +30%)Tellherthename |
14/1(+30%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (11) Tellherthename 14/1, Promising 5-y-o for an in-form yard who was back to looking the bright prospect he had on his first 2 starts when landing a 6-runner novice at Huntingdon (15.8f) in January, still sprinting passing line. Remains capable of better and well worth another chance at this level. Gained his Huntingdon wins from the front; may find it harder to dominate in this field. |
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|PU| (5)  (11/1 -38%)Jeriko Du Reponet |
11/1(-38%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Jeriko Du Reponet 11/1, Successful on his only start in points and has won all 3 starts over hurdles in the manner of a smart prospect, including when responding well to see off a subsequent winner in the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster (16.6f, good) last time. Has considerably more to offer. Unbeaten; form of latest win has been franked; the pick of the British contenders. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
In a week where he is chasing down 100 Festival winners, trainer Willie Mullins can get off to the best possible start with the unbeaten five-year-old MYSTICAL POWER. Bred in the purple being a son of Galileo out of Champion Hurdle winning mare Annie Power, the way he put distance between himself and his rivals in the Moscow Flyer at Punchestown in January was impressive and there should be plenty more improvement to come. Stablemate Tullyhill has improved with each start this season and his most recent display at Punchestown was of a high standard, though he will need to brush up on his jumping if he is to be seriously involved at the finish. A major disappointment in the Lawlor's Of Naas Hurdle over further last time, Firefox is expected to be much more at home over this trip and the form of his Fairyhouse success over Ballyburn in December looks very strong. The same can be said of Slade Steel, who was runner-up to that same rival at the Dublin Racing Festival but he may be better over further. A trainer that needs no introduction when it comes to this contest, Nicky Henderson is represented by the talented Jeriko Du Reponet, who may have a bit to find in terms of form but should be well suited by the fast-run nature of this contest.
SLADE STEEL may have lost his unbeaten record over hurdles at Leopardstown last month, but he bumped into a potentially exceptional novice in Ballyburn (short-priced favourite for the Gallagher) and is fancied to give that form a major boost by taking the curtain raiser. Tullyhill booked his spot for this with a dominant display at Punchestown and, with the timefigure supporting the performance, he requires the utmost respect, while his stablemates Mystical Power and Mistergif add further spice.
Being superbly bred and open to any amount of further progress, MYSTICAL POWER has very strong claims. Tullyhill is second choice.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (3)  (2/1 +50%)Gaelic Warrior |
2/1(+50%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Gaelic Warrior 2/1, Runner-up over hurdles at last 2 Festivals. Comfortably accounted for Il Etait Temps when making it 2-2 over fences at Limerick over Christmas and can't have been right when flopping at the Dublin Racing Festival (20 lengths down when unseating last). Hooded first time. Townend keeps the faith. Enigmatic but hugely talented; the one to beat if putting everything together at 2m. |
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2nd (2)  (13/2 -30%)Found A Fifty |
13/2(-30%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Found A Fifty 13/2, Saw off My Mate Mozzie by 1½ lengths to win a 2m Leopardstown Grade 1 novice over Christmas and at least matched that form when going down by only a neck to Il Etait Temps at the Dublin Racing Festival there last month. Player. Front-runner; second to Il Etait Temps in Irish Arkle; should make another bold bid. |
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3rd (5)  (7/2 +30%)Il Etait Temps |
7/2(+30%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Il Etait Temps 7/2, Couldn't live with stablemate Gaelic Warrior at Limerick (19.5f, heavy) over Christmas but firmly back on the up returned to shorter when producing a gutsy display to edge out Found A Fifty by a neck in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown (17f, soft) last month. Should go well. Has taken well to fences; solid chance on form but below par at the last two Festivals. |
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4th (8)  (22/1 +12%)Matata |
22/1(+12%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) Matata 22/1, Headstrong sort who impressed when successful on return/chase debut at Ffos Las (2m) in October. Good runner-up efforts both starts since, latterly to Jpr One in a Grade 2 at Lingfield (2m, good to soft). Bit to find at this level. Free-going front-runner who looks a tricky ride; beaten last twice but cannot be ruled out. |
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5th (4)  (15/2 -25%)Hunters Yarn |
15/2(-25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Hunters Yarn 15/2, Smart winning hurdler. Would have gone in at the first time of asking over fences but for falling at the last in a Fairyhouse maiden in December and made no mistake in another maiden back there since. His lack of chase experience is a slight concern but he looks highly talented. Unexposed chaser; lots in hand at Fairyhouse; another personal best is on the cards. |
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6th (9)  (25/1 -150%)My Mate Mozzie |
25/1(-150%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9) My Mate Mozzie 25/1, Won a 4-runner C&D novice in October. Much better form when 1½ lengths second of 4 to Found A Fifty in 2m Leopardstown Grade 1 over Christmas. Kept fresh for this since. Has cheekpieces added to his tongue tie. C&D winner before chasing home Found A Fifty at Leopardstown; still going the right way. |
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7th (6)  (16/1 -100%)Jpr One |
16/1(-100%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) Jpr One 16/1, Looked set to win a Grade 2 over C&D when unseating at the last in November. Not in quite the same form when third in the Henry VIII at Sandown the following month but back on the up when accounting for Matata in a Lingfield Grade 2 6 weeks later. More will be needed to trouble the Irish. Back on track with Grade 2 win last time; doesn't have much to find on the figures. |
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8th (10)  (11/2 +21%)Quilixios |
11/2(+21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10) Quilixios 11/2, Won Triumph at 2021 Festival. Drew a blank over hurdles the following season but he's 2-3 over fences since returning from an absence, proving suited by the drop back to 2m (failed to stay 3m at Punchestown in November) when making all in Naas novice in January. There's more to come from him. 2021 Triumph winner; cosy scorer at Naas in January; open to further progress over fences. |
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|F| (7)  (22/1 +12%)Master Chewy |
22/1(+12%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Master Chewy 22/1, Much improved since switching to chasing, scoring on his debut at Aintree and back to winning ways in 4-runner Kempton Grade 2 (2m, good to soft) over Christmas. Being hampered at the first provides an excuse for his below-form fourth to Jpr One at Lingfield since. More needed. Grade 2 Kempton win; excuse latest; still has potential and can seriously outrun his odds. |
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|F| (1)  (100/1 +0%)Authorised Speed |
100/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Authorised Speed 100/1, Useful hurdler who would surely have made a winning start over fences but for departing 2 out on Ascot reappearance in December. Jumped poorly at Plumpton next time, though, and surely biting off more than he can chew at this level. Let down by jumping in his two goes over fences; would be a surprise winner. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Seven of the last 10 renewals of this race have been won by the market leader, which bodes well for long-time ante-post fancy Gaelic Warrior, even though his trainer Willie Mullins has gone on record to say that Cheltenham isn't exactly the ideal venue for this high-class six-year-old. Nevertheless, it is possible dropping back in trip and the addition of a first-time hood will help the son of Maxios cope with going left-handed again, so he is a must for the shortlist, despite a lacklustre effort when unseating Paul Townend at the final fence in match-race with leading Brown Advisory fancy Fact To File in the Ladbroke at Leopardstown 37 days ago. However, as ever, Mullins, who has landed this race five times over the last decade, has a wealth of talent at his disposal and can strike again with IL ETAIT TEMPS, whose record over fences fits the profile of previous winners. The selection is very much on an upwards trajectory and can turnaround last December's Limerick form with Gaelic Warrior over shorter this trip. Found A Fifty was only a neck behind the selection when they clashed in the Irish Arkle last month and has to be feared on that basis. JPR One and Matata rate the pick of the home-trained contingent.
Although HUNTERS YARN lacks chase experience he was impressive when coasting home in a Fairyhouse maiden last time and the same trainer's Duc des Genievres took this in 2019 having won only a maiden before. The selection's stablemates Gaelic Warrior, who can't have been right last time, and Il Etait Temps have more established credentials having already tasted Grade 1 success over fences and head the dangers along with Found A Fifty.
Gaelic Warrior is greatly feared but in a more open Arkle than usual the suggestion is MASTER CHEWY who can record a personal best.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (17)  (6/1 +25%)Chianti Classico |
6/1(+25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (17) Chianti Classico 6/1, Won first 3 starts over hurdles last season before outclassed in Albert Bartlett at this meeting. Resumed winning ways/progress on chase bow at Chepstow on return before following up in 3-runner event at Ascot. Beaten only by a course specialist at Kempton since and remains of interest. 3-4 over hurdles; has looked the part since chasing over 2m7f-3m; likely type for this. |
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2nd (16)  (28/1 -40%)Twig |
28/1(-40%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (16) Twig 28/1, Enhanced his good strike in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter (26f) in July. Excellent second of 13 over C&D in October but seemingly found out in better company at Newbury since. Has course form over hurdles and C&D; well held in big 3m2f Newbury handicap in December. |
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3rd (7)  (6/1 -20%)Meetingofthewaters |
6/1(-20%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Meetingofthewaters 6/1, Relished the increased emphasis on stamina when winning 27-runner listed handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, heavy, 6/1) just after Christmas, forging clear. Hampered when unseated rider at the first there since and well worth another chance. Won last 2 completions over fences, powerful display over 3m on soft latest; more to come. |
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4th (21)  (25/1 -25%)Famous Bridge |
25/1(-25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (21) Famous Bridge 25/1, Winner of 2 handicap chases over 25.5f at Haydock this winter, latterly the Tommy Whittle on heavy ground. However, let down by jumping both starts since, which isn't an ideal prep for this. Three best chase wins at 3m1f on soft and heavy; step up in class asks more of him. |
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5th (6)  (9/2 +25%)The Goffer |
9/2(+25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) The Goffer 9/2, Took well to fences last season, winning twice before a career-best fourth (beaten over 10 lengths) of 23 in very strong renewal of this race off 2 lb higher. Just respectable efforts at best this term but this has likely been the target, so big run expected. Won charity race at Punchestown 18 Feb. Cracking 4th in this last year (soft); looks primed for another good run off 5lb lower. |
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6th (22)  (11/1 +31%)Weveallbeencaught |
11/1(+31%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (22) Weveallbeencaught 11/1, Useful winning hurdler who shaped with promise on his chase debut here on return but hasn't kicked on, proving a big disappointment on handicap bow here in December. Tongue strap on 1st time. Well held on handicap debut here latest but in the picture on early 3m chase form. |
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7th (10)  (40/1 -21%)Kitty's Light |
40/1(-21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10) Kitty's Light 40/1, Most likeable staying chaser who signed off last season by landing an exceptional hat-trick, winning the Eider Chase, Scottish National and bet365 Gold Cup. Low-key efforts in 4 outings this term (3 hurdle, 1 chase) but no surprise to see him bounce back after a break. Tongue strap back on. Carried all before him in staying chases last spring; has more to prove on recent runs. |
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8th (8)  (40/1 +20%)Chambard |
40/1(+20%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) Chambard 40/1, Ended 2021/22 campaign with success in the Kim Muir here off 12 lb lower. Hard to predict since but back on song with win in Becher at Aintree in December. No show next 2 starts, however, and others look better treated. Won 3m2f Kim Muir here in 2022; has had a good winter but on a high mark now. |
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|F| (15)  (5/1 +64%)Trelawne |
5/1(+64%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (15) Trelawne 5/1, Winner of 3 of his 4 starts over hurdles and immediately improved on that form as he made a successful debut over fences after 8 months off at Carlisle (2½m, soft) in November. Good efforts in defeat since and step up in trip should suit, though all 4 of his chase starts have come in small fields. Won 2m7f hurdle last spring; strong chase form at about 2m4f; the step up in trip can suit. |
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|PU| (4)  (15/2 +25%)Stumptown |
15/2(+25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Stumptown 15/2, Successful in handicaps at Thurles/Sandown prior to a fine second in the Kim Muir 12 months ago. Resumed progress in first-time blinkers when scoring over this trip on the New Course here on New Year's Day so must be respected. Runner-up in 3m2f Kim Muir last March; quiet spell ended with blinkers fitted last time. |
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|PU| (5)  (16/1 +0%)Monbeg Genius |
16/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Monbeg Genius 16/1, Highly progressive over fences last season, winning 3 handicaps before ending campaign with an excellent third in this off 7 lb lower. Undone by a bad mistake at Ascot on return before good third in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Disappointed at Kelso 10 days ago, however, and headgear now applied. Particularly strong handicap form when 3rd in this race last year but very mixed since. |
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|PU| (13)  (16/1 +20%)Victtorino |
16/1(+20%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (13) Victtorino 16/1, Ex-French chaser who has upped his game significantly since joining Venetia Williams, landing back-to-back Ascot handicaps in November/December. Better than he showed here next time before decent fourth at Ascot, though mid-race mistakes hindered his chance. Won first 2 chases in Britain over 3m at Ascot, but one-paced 4th back there latest. |
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|PU| (12)  (22/1 +33%)Eklat De Rire |
22/1(+33%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (12) Eklat De Rire 22/1, Lightly raced since unseating in Brown Advisory here 3 years ago. However, left belated return well behind when second of 4 at Fairyhouse last month and potentially on a good mark if building on that (Grade 3 winner as a novice). Smart chaser earlier in career; sparingly raced now but more promise latest start. |
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|PU| (1)  (25/1 -25%)Eldorado Allen |
25/1(-25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Eldorado Allen 25/1, Very smart chaser who ran a cracker when fourth in Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, staying on gradually from 4 out. Disappointed back over hurdles next time but remains of interest back in this sphere with yard going well. Headgear refitted. Second in the 2021 Arkle and third in the 2022 Ryanair; had wind op since latest start. |
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|PU| (19)  (25/1 +38%)Lord Du Mesnil |
25/1(+38%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (19) Lord Du Mesnil 25/1, Over 3 years since he was last successful but he's been generally consistent, shaping as if still in form when fourth in veterans event at Exeter last time. Likely to find this too competitive, however. Has run some good races on this track but losing run goes back 3 years; others more likely. |
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|PU| (9)  (33/1 -32%)Minella Crooner |
33/1(-32%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9) Minella Crooner 33/1, Useful chaser who made a winning return in 4-runner listed chase at Wexford. However, has failed to kick on since and his rather ponderous jumping is another negative. Out of sorts at this meeting last year; below best either side of good 2m7f run in January. |
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|PU| (20)  (33/1 -32%)Excello |
33/1(-32%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (20) Excello 33/1, Useful form over hurdles and fences at up to 2¾m in France. Only third in novice hurdle for new yard in November but different proposition back chasing when winning a graduation event in decisive fashion at Ascot (21f, good). However, struggled in a Premier Handicap here next time. Up in trip. Good 2m5f winner for new yard in December; well held on h'cap debut here since; new trip. |
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|PU| (14)  (40/1 -21%)Busselton |
40/1(-21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (14) Busselton 40/1, Kerry National winner last season and best effort since when 12½ lengths sixth of 27 to Meetingofthewaters in handicap chase at Leopardstown (24.4f, heavy) over Christmas. Had little go right there since and not without hope. Has run creditably in various competitive races but rarely at his best in last 12 months. |
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|PU| (11)  (40/1 +0%)Gevrey |
40/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (11) Gevrey 40/1, Better than ever when winning Munster National at Limerick in October. However, found his run of good form coming to an abrupt halt at Navan next time and ran just as bad at Gowran since, so has a bit to prove all of a sudden. In frame in the Plate (2m4f) and Irish National (3m5f) last spring; pulled up last twice. |
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|PU| (2)  (50/1 -52%)Run Wild Fred |
50/1(-52%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Run Wild Fred 50/1, Patchy form since runner-up in the National Hunt Challenge Cup here 2 years ago, though more positive signs until brought down at Fairyhouse last month. Not impossible. One chase win from 19 attempts; well below best twice before brought down latest. |
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|PU| (3)  (50/1 -25%)Highland Hunter |
50/1(-25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Highland Hunter 50/1, Thorough stayer who made encouraging return from 21 months off when second on yard debut at Kelso in October. Easy to forgive next 2 starts and he looked better than ever when resuming winning ways in veterans event at Newbury 10 days ago. Penalised for that and this much harder. Stout stayer; impressed over 3m2f on heavy latest but now back to career-high mark. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
A contest that has become a UK benefit over the years with Ireland having only won it twice since 2000, most recently with Dun Doire in 2006, but their challenge appears to be much stronger than usual, headed by Paddy Power Chase winner MEETINGOFTHEWATERS. A slow burner initially over fences, he followed up a beginners chase success at Cork to land that valuable prize at Leopardstown over Christmas before an unlucky first-fence unseat at the Dublin Racing Festival. Willie Mullins is yet to win a handicap chase at the meeting, but the fact his charge still remains unexposed over 3m, along with having conditions to suit, gives him every chance of taking another step forward. The Goffer (fourth) was held by Monbeg Genius (third) in a vintage renewal of this race 12 months ago, finishing behind the Gold Cup-bound Corach Rambler and Fastorslow. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the form reversed, especially given the latter's disappointing recent Kelso effort. Stumptown returned to his best here on New Year's Day when beating a progressive type of Jonjo O'Neill's and is respected off a 6lb higher mark. Of the English contenders, Kim Bailey saddles a pair of interesting runners in Chianti Classico, twice a winner over fences, and Trelawne, who has the services of Harry Cobden, but the pair need to prove themselves in a much bigger field than they are usually accustomed to.
One of the few races Britain has dominated but the Irish look to hold the upper hand this time, their challenge headed by THE GOFFER, who was an excellent fourth in this last year when only a 6-y-o and looks to have been campaigned with this race in mind. Progressive pair Meetingofthewaters and Stumptown make the shortlist, while Chianti Classico makes the most appeal from the home team.
Meetingofthewaters is respected but THE GOFFER can improve on his excellent fourth in an outstanding running of this race last year.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (6)  (2/5 +0%)State Man |
2/5(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) State Man 2/5, No match for Constitution Hill in this race last season but that's his only defeat in his last 11 starts, gaining second successive wins in Grade 1 Morgiana, Matheson and Irish Champion this winter. Can't be opposed. Beat all bar Constitution Hill in this race last year; clear top on ratings this time. |
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2nd (3)  (9/2 +0%)Irish Point |
9/2(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Irish Point 9/2, Wrapped up his novice hurdle campaign with a 2½m Grade 1 success at Aintree. A second Grade 1 win came over just short of 3m at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting but his Down Royal reappearance success prior to that came over 17f so he isn't short of speed. Can follow State Man home. Classy and versatile; major contender, despite dropping back almost a mile in distance. |
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3rd (8)  (33/1 -65%)Luccia |
33/1(-65%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) Luccia 33/1, Useful hurdler who resumed winning ways in valuable Betfair Exchange Trophy (Handicap) at Ascot (2m, good) just before Christmas. Her strong-travelling style provides some hope she can cope stepping up significantly in class but she'll need a career best to reach the frame. Useful and generally consistent mare; has frame possibilities, getting 7lb all round. |
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4th (7)  (22/1 -10%)Zarak The Brave |
22/1(-10%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Zarak The Brave 22/1, Really smart effort to win the Galway Hurdle in August. Pulled up in Tipperary Grade 3 in October but back on track with small-field Grade 3 success at Naas in January. More needed. Currently well short of stablemate State Man's standard but may still rate higher. |
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5th (1)  (50/1 +0%)Colonel Mustard |
50/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Colonel Mustard 50/1, Good effort back hurdling when 1½ lengths second of 5 to Nemean Lion in Kingwell at Wincanton last month but received 3 lb from his reopposing rival on that occasion so there's no reason why he'll turn the tables. Blinkered first time. Exposed 9yo who still has a modest strike-rate; needs help from the first-time blinkers. |
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6th (4)  (12/1 +64%)Nemean Lion |
12/1(+64%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Nemean Lion 12/1, Took his form up another notch when landing the second Grade 2 success of his career in the Kingwell at Wincanton last month, giving weight and a beating to Colonel Mustard. More will be needed to seriously trouble State Man but this likeable type should give another good account. Progressive; has landed some notable prizes in the last 12 months; should perform well. |
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7th (5)  (33/1 -106%)Not So Sleepy |
33/1(-106%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Not So Sleepy 33/1, Now a 12-y-o but he was better than ever at the end of 2023, winning a Flat handicap at Newbury in September and the rearranged Fighting Fifth at Sandown (2m, heavy) in December. Fifth in the last 3 running of this race but he might go a place or two better this time. Beaten in this race for the last four years (form figures P555); best to look elsewhere. |
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|PU| (2)  (11/1 +31%)Iberico Lord |
11/1(+31%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Iberico Lord 11/1, Good winner of the Greatwood over C&D on his reappearance in November and shrugged off a lesser run behind stablemate Luccia at Ascot in December when bagging another big handicap win in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (2m, soft) last month. Capable of even better. Supplemented for £18,000 last week. Supplemented at a cost of £18,000; successful in two big handicaps and the form is strong. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
A historic contest that may have lost some of its lustre with the defection of reigning champion Constitution Hill, it should allow STATE MAN, a superstar in his own right, to pick up the pieces. The seven-year-old was no match for Nicky Henderson's superstar in this race last year, but jockey Paul Townend has gone on record to say his mount was nowhere near his best on the day and preparations could not have gone any smoother this time around. An easy winner of all three starts at the top level, the son of Doctor Dino has swept all before him in Ireland and he looks an improved horse this year. A leading contender for the Stayers' Hurdles later in the week, connections have opted for this bigger prize with the highly-talented Irish Point, who could hardly have done it any easier in winning both starts this season. A strong traveller who should have no issue with softer ground, Gordon Elliott's charge looks the main danger to the favourite but still has plenty to find on the ratings, and is yet to score in a Grade 1 over this trip. With the form of his Betfair Hurdle win franked by the Imperial Cup winner on Saturday, the progressive Iberico Lord is an intriguing contender, having been supplemented by connections. He is highly likely to be fighting it out for a place with stablemate Luccia, Kingwell Hurdle winner Nemean Lion and Zarak The Brave.
STATE MAN's only defeat over hurdles in the last 2 years came at the hands of Constitution Hill in this race last season and in the absence of that outstanding rival he's fully expected to make it 11 career wins. Irish Point's Grade 1 success at Leopardstown over Christmas came at just short of 3m but he was speedy enough to win a Grade 3 over just in excess of 2m on his reappearance and can give the selection most to do ahead of Kingwell-winner Nemean Lion.
The unfortunate absence of Constitution Hill leaves the door wide open for STATE MAN. Irish Point looks the chief threat.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (6)  (8/13 +0%)Lossiemouth |
8/13(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) Lossiemouth 8/13, The leading juvenile last season, landing the Triumph here (from Gala Marceau) and the Champion at Punchestown. Made a sparkling return to action with a stunning success here in January from Love Envoi and will take the beating if staying this new trip as expected. Last year's Triumph winner who was impressive on return back here; can't be opposed. |
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2nd (9)  (22/1 +21%)Telmesomethinggirl |
22/1(+21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9) Telmesomethinggirl 22/1, Won the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the 2021 Festival and brought down 2 out when fancied and going well in this in 2022. Successful over fences in the meantime and back to her useful form in this sphere when second in thin Grade 3 at Naas 7 weeks ago. More to find this time. Festival win in 2021; latest Naas Grade 3 second shows she's still smart. |
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3rd (4)  (40/1 -21%)Hispanic Moon |
40/1(-21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Hispanic Moon 40/1, Multiple winner in France and 2-3 for new yard this term, drawing clear in weak mares' Grade 3 at Punchestown last month (Gala Marceau disappointing in third). This is way tougher. Arrives on the back of a win in Grade 3 Quevega at Punchestown but this task is harder. |
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4th (5)  (18/1 +28%)Lantry Lady |
18/1(+28%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Lantry Lady 18/1, From the family of Annie Power and has made a promising start with wide-margin victories at Gowran (2m) 11 months apart, forging clear in a first-time tongue tie from What's Up Darling 3 weeks ago. Likely has more to offer up in trip and shouldn't be overlooked. 2-2 in hurdles at Gowran, latterly a Grade 3; lacks experience but not talent. |
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5th (7)  (14/1 +13%)Love Envoi |
14/1(+13%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Love Envoi 14/1, Won the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the 2022 Festival and made Honeysuckle work when second in this last year. Best effort since when chasing home Lossiemouth in the International here in January and no surprise to see her go well back up in trip in first-time cheekpieces. 2nd last year; no match for Lossiemouth here latest but may get bit closer back up in trip. |
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6th (3)  (12/1 +40%)Gala Marceau |
12/1(+40%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Gala Marceau 12/1, The only horse to have beaten Lossiemouth (although the score stands at 2-1 to her stablemate) and she landed a Grade 1 in France in May. Needs to bounce back from a poor showing at Punchestown but she was a fine second behind the favourite in last year's Triumph and shouldn't be underestimated. Beat Lossiemouth last season but beaten at odds-on in both runs this year. |
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7th (11)  (25/1 +50%)You Wear It Well |
25/1(+50%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (11) You Wear It Well 25/1, Won the Grade 2 Mares' Novice Hurdle at last year's Festival from Magical Zoe and successful return at Wetherby in October. Best not judged on latest Haydock defeat (bad mistake sixth) and expected to be back on her game here. Won Dawn Run last year; second to Marie's Rock in January but ran poorly at Haydock latest. |
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|PU| (8)  (12/1 +25%)Marie's Rock |
12/1(+25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) Marie's Rock 12/1, Took this in 2022 and made the most of a good opportunity back against her own sex when seeing off You Wear It Well at Doncaster (extended 3m) 7 weeks ago. Will need a return to her very best to take this back down in trip, while she's prone to pulling hard. Won this in 2022; disappointed in it last year but arrives on the back of a 3m Grade 2 win. |
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|PU| (2)  (14/1 +13%)Echoes In Rain |
14/1(+13%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Echoes In Rain 14/1, Not seen to best effect in this last year and put matters right when landing the Grade 1 over this trip at Punchestown. Has been chasing home stablemate State Man this season and this is much more her bag back against her own sex. Leading claims. Respectable efforts behind State Man this season; fourth in this last year. |
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|PU| (1)  (15/2 -67%)Ashroe Diamond |
15/2(-67%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Ashroe Diamond 15/2, Yet to be beaten by a mare over hurdles and added another valuable pot to her tally with victory in Grade 2 at Doncaster 7 weeks ago from Under Control and Gala Marceau, travelling powerfully through the race. Likeable sort and she can go well in first-time hood. Grade 1 novice win last season; warmed up for this with Doncaster Grade 2 success; player. |
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|PU| (10)  (125/1 -89%)Theatre Glory |
125/1(-89%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10) Theatre Glory 125/1, Has won 5 times over hurdles but this season has been a bit of a write-off so far, falling here in December and well held when attracting support behind stablemate Marie's Rock at Doncaster last time. Hard to fancy in first-time cheekpieces. Useful but first-time cheekpieces need to spark major improvement.. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Last year's leading juvenile LOSSIEMOUTH made an explosive reappearance here in the International on Trials Day when proving to be a class apart from Love Envoi. Plenty of superlatives were given out following that display, with some suggesting the Champion Hurdle potentially being the ideal target, but connections have always mapped out their route to this event and there will plenty of long faces in Closutton if she tastes defeat. Ashroe Diamond missed this meeting 12 months ago due to a late setback but ended last season with a Grade 1 success in the Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse and arrives with a victory at Doncaster under her belt. Stepping back up in trip is a positive and she is expected to be a big player. Of the remainder, one who appeals at bigger odds is the unbeaten Lantry Lady. She returned from 11 months off to win the Red Mills at Gowran last month and there could be a fair amount of improvement to come on just her third career start, with the booking of Jack Kennedy another bonus to her chance.
LOSSIEMOUTH has her stamina to prove but there aren't signs that she won't stay and on the back of an impressive winning return here she can end a five-year losing run for Willie Mullins in this contest. Echoes In Rain, who has been chasing home State Man this term, is a solid alternative for the yard. Last year's runner-up Love Envoi could be the best hope for the home team.
Having toyed with Love Envoi on her reappearance here, LOSSIEMOUTH should prove hard to beat. Ashroe Diamond is second choice.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (15)  (9/1 -80%)Lark In The Mornin |
9/1(-80%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (15) Lark In The Mornin 9/1, A lightly-raced winner on the Flat who is yet to build on a promising hurdling debut, but he caught the eye finishing with running left after a bad mistake at the last at Punchestown on his most recent outing and remains with potential now switched to a handicap. Suspicion that there's a lot more in his locker and this mark could underestimate him. |
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2nd (13)  (80/1 -60%)Eagles Reign |
80/1(-60%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (13) Eagles Reign 80/1, Modest maiden on the Flat but has proved himself a much better hurdler, showing a good attitude to get off the mark on handicap debut at Punchestown (16.1f, heavy) 43 days ago. More needed taking on a much deeper field off a 10 lb higher mark here, though. Has already won a handicap but a lesser race than this and others are far more intriguing. |
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3rd (2)  (12/1 -50%)Ndaawi |
12/1(-50%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Ndaawi 12/1, Useful Flat winner who confirmed previous promise in this sphere when off the mark in 16-runner event at Naas (15.5, soft) 44 days ago, value for significantly more than the winning margin. Open to further improvement for top Irish yard that has an excellent record in this race. Useful on the Flat and now progressing well over hurdles; yard has good record in this. |
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4th (19)  (40/1 -21%)Harsh |
40/1(-21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (19) Harsh 40/1, Fairly useful maiden on the Flat who built on the promise of his hurdling debut when running out an easy winner at Cork in December. However, disappointed in better company at Chepstow later in the month, so needs to get back on track now handicapping with cheekpieces fitted. Maiden winner but remote fourth in a Grade 2 latest; jumping doesn't come easy to him. |
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5th (4)  (18/1 -13%)Miss Manzor |
18/1(-13%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Miss Manzor 18/1, Winner of a newcomers race for C. & Y. Lerner and confirmed the promise of stable debut when resuming winning ways back down in grade at Fairyhouse (2m, soft) in January from Karia des Blaises. Remains open to improvement. Highly tried on Irish debut but was sharper all round at Fairyhouse and that's solid form. |
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6th (7)  (10/3 +58%)Milan Tino |
10/3(+58%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Milan Tino 10/3, Placed in listed and Grade 2 events at Auteuil last autumn. Couldn't match Burdett Road's turn of foot when third in a Grade 2 here in November and ran to only a similar level behind the hugely exciting Sir Gino last time but his opening mark could potentially underestimate him on his French form. Beaten in two Grade 2 races here but shaped well; has the potential to be well handicapped. |
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7th (10)  (22/1 -38%)Nara |
22/1(-38%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10) Nara 22/1, Fairly useful ex-French winning hurdler but has run below that level both outings for current yard. Makes handicap debut and needs to get back on track. Hood refitted. Behind Eagle Fang in both Irish runs and this demands a significant step forward. |
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8th (8)  (16/1 +52%)An Bradan Feasa |
16/1(+52%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (8) An Bradan Feasa 16/1, Made a successful start over hurdles in a Ballinrobe maiden (for Joseph O'Brien) before chasing home Burdett Road in a C&D Grade 2. Resumed winning ways on the New Course here in December and was perhaps short of peak fitness when only 8½ lengths fourth of 8 to Liari at Musselburgh last month. Below par last time but had twice run well at this track and he holds some each-way appeal. |
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9th (12)  (50/1 -52%)Pigeon House |
50/1(-52%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (12) Pigeon House 50/1, Fair and consistent hurdler who seems likely to give his running once again but will remain vulnerable to less-exposed types on handicap debut. Runner-up in five of his eight hurdles and can lack some concentration when it matters. |
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|B| (9)  (14/1 +0%)Ose Partir |
14/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9) Ose Partir 14/1, Fairly useful Flat winner who shaped well starting out over hurdles when runner-up at Galway in October. Stiff tasks since and appeals as the type who could be well suited by a well-run handicap. Tackles his first handicap after running in Graded races of late; stable much respected. |
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|B| (11)  (66/1 +18%)Mordor |
66/1(+18%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (11) Mordor 66/1, Fairly useful middle-distance maiden on the Flat for David Simcock who shaped encouragingly sent hurdling when third of 19 at Leopardstown (2m) in December. Underwhelming at Punchestown and Fairyhouse subsequently but can't be written off now switched to a handicap. 0-8 under both codes; market vibes would suggest that he's no Elliott masterplan. |
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|F| (6)  (25/1 +11%)Karia Des Blaises |
25/1(+11%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) Karia Des Blaises 25/1, Winner of her only start over hurdles for Emmanuel Clayeux and has shaped with promise both outings for new yard, including when second to stablemate Miss Manzor at Fairyhouse (2m) last time. Remains open to improvement. Split Miss Manzor and Ndaawi at Fairyhouse and is now better off at the weights with both. |
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10th (22)  (40/1 +20%)Teorie |
40/1(+20%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (22) Teorie 40/1, Fairly useful winner on Flat for Jim Bolger who overcame some sloppy jumps to run out a ready winner on his Catterick hurdle debut in December. Disappointed next time but quickly resumed winning ways back under fully-fledged rider at Southwell last time. Opening mark could have been kinder. His form credentials aren't compelling for a handicap of this nature. |
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11th (20)  (20/1 +39%)Bright Legend |
20/1(+39%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (20) Bright Legend 20/1, Fairly useful Flat winner who took a step forward over hurdles fitted with first-time cheekpieces (retained here) when 5 lengths second of 5 to Eagle Fang at Naas (15.8f, heavy) 31 days ago, ridden more positively. Open to further improvement. Front-running second to Eagle Fang at Naas and could easily step up on that form. |
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12th (5)  (10/1 +29%)Eagle Fang |
10/1(+29%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Eagle Fang 10/1, Confirmed previous promise back in calmer waters when off the mark in 5-runner juvenile at Naas (15.8f, heavy) 31 days ago, leading between last 2 and going clear. That race has proved a very good guide in recent years to the Fred Winter, so he's respected, but others are open to more improvement. The Naas race he won easily has produced four of the last five winners of this race. |
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13th (3)  (10/1 -67%)Batman Girac |
10/1(-67%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Batman Girac 10/1, Successful on the second of 2 starts over hurdles in France. Shaped as if amiss when folding tamely on his stable debut but much more like it when fourth of 12 in Grade 2 at Leopardstown (2m) next time. That form has been franked since and he must enter calculations on handicap bow. Ran well in Grade 2 last time; handicapper has not missed him; stable yet to win this race. |
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|PU| (1)  (9/2 +55%)Liari |
9/2(+55%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Liari 9/2, Fairly useful Flat winner in France and made it 3-3 in juvenile hurdles for new connections without being asked a serious question in 8-runner listed event at Musselburgh (15.6f) 37 days ago. Will go on improving, so he's a must for the shortlist. French Flat winner who is 3-3 in British hurdles (Listed latest) and can improve some more. |
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|PU| (21)  (14/1 +58%)Latin Verse |
14/1(+58%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (21) Latin Verse 14/1, Much improved refitted with cheekpieces on first start back with former trainer when running out an impressive winner of an 11-runner handicap at Ludlow (15.8f, heavy) 20 days ago. Hiked up 10 lb and in a much stronger race but still warrants respect. Faces a different test altogether from winning a Class 4 handicap at Ludlow. |
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|PU| (18)  (25/1 -25%)Palamon |
25/1(-25%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (18) Palamon 25/1, Fairly useful Flat winner who continued a theme of run-to-run progression in maiden hurdles when 3¾ lengths third of 16 to Ndaawi at Naas (15.5f, soft) 44 days ago. Likely to improve again now switched to a handicap. Improved in each of his maidens and stable has a positive record in this; interesting. |
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|PU| (17)  (40/1 -21%)Roaring Legend |
40/1(-21%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (17) Roaring Legend 40/1, Fairly useful on Flat for James Ferguson and promising start over hurdles when runner-up in juveniles at Kempton and Musselburgh. However, couldn't make the most of a what looked a very good opportunity at Market Rasen last time. Turned over at long odds-on at Market Rasen and soft ground was perhaps the reason. |
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|PU| (14)  (50/1 +0%)Balboa |
50/1(+0%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (14) Balboa 50/1, Fair maiden on Flat who got off the mark over hurdles at the third attempt at Chepstow in October. Has shown slightly better form in defeat since, including on first start for current yard at Musselburgh last month, but lacks the potential of a good few of these. Should give his running but find a few too good when it matters. |
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|PU| (16)  (80/1 -142%)Les Loyautes |
80/1(-142%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (16) Les Loyautes 80/1, A fair winner over hurdles in France and has shown a similar level of form over fences. Left D. Bressou for €30,000 last month but her opening mark doesn't look overly generous. Hurdle winner in France but beaten five times there over fences; not the obvious answer. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
Paul Nicholls has a good record in this race and sends out the consistent Liari with a fighting chance of coping with joint-top weight. Already a dual Listed race winner over hurdles, the French import has flourished since switching to this sphere and can be expected to launch another bold bid, as he attempts to maintain his unbeaten status over timber. However, the previous course experience held by fellow French-bred gelding MILAN TINO earns him a narrow vote of confidence. A commendable third in a couple of Triumph Hurdle Trials here in his last two starts, the JP McManus-owned four-year-old has experience of both the old and new courses at this venue, which can only be an asset as he bids to enhance his progressive profile. Of the rest, the Willie Mullins-trained Batman Girac commands respect now he drops in class to tackle a handicap for the first time, while his stablemate Miss Manzor also comes in the reckoning after winning well at Fairyhouse last time out. Ndaawi, who was rated 96 at his peak on the Flat, is another to seriously consider despite this being considerably tougher than the maiden hurdle he landed at Naas in January. Harsh has a speedy pedigree and, along with Roaring Legend, could offer some each-way value.
Another typically competitive renewal with LARK IN THE MORNIN receiving the tentative vote. He's yet to build on his hurdling debut promise but caught the eye finishing with running left after a bad mistake at Punchestown on his most recent outing and is potentially on a good mark on his Flat form representing the yard that took this race in 2019. Milan Tino has been given a chance by the assessor judged on his useful French form, with Liari and Latin Verse just two others to note.
The suggestion is the improving BRIGHT LEGEND (nap) who wasn't seen to best effect last time. Milan Tino is temptingly treated.
Class & Speed Card
| Info | Form | Odds | Key Rating | Tips | Win % | Place % | Betfair Place % | Dist Win % | Dist Place % | Dist Betfair Place % | Ability Rating | Horse Pace | Prediction | A.I Rating | Movement | Class Runs | LTO Speed | Top Speed | WSR | TF Rating | Course | Going | Distance | Timespeed | OR | Weight | Runs | Age | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st (1)  (15/8 +6%)Corbetts Cross |
15/8(+6%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1) Corbetts Cross 15/8, A close second when departing at the final flight in last season's Albert Bartlett and has taken well to chasing this time round, notably second in 3m Leopardstown Grade 1 novice over Christmas. In process of running well when brought down 3 out at Fairyhouse since. Hood on. Capable of even better. Not crying out for this longer trip, but firmly in calculations barring mishaps; hood now. |
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2nd (2)  (7/4 +22%)Embassy Gardens |
7/4(+22%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (2) Embassy Gardens 7/4, Useful over hurdles but has really come into his own over fences, winning a Punchestown maiden and Naas Grade 3 around 3m this winter. His strength at the finish last time points to this trip suiting. Fitted with a first-time hood. Looks sure to make bold bid to extend unbeaten chase record to 3. Blew out at two festivals last spring; won his two chases without any bother; hooded today. |
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3rd (5)  (14/1 +44%)Mr Vango |
14/1(+44%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (5) Mr Vango 14/1, Maiden hurdle winner last season and this former point scorer has quickly made up into a much better chaser, producing a useful performance when routing his rivals in last month's Devon National at Exeter. Needs improvement but he won't lack for stamina. Cheekpieces go on for the first time. Upped to nearly 3m7f for the Devon National at Exeter (heavy) 18 days ago and won by 60l. |
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4th (4)  (20/1 -82%)Kilbeg King |
20/1(-82%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (4) Kilbeg King 20/1, Useful novice hurdler at up to 3m last season and has taken well to chasing this term, backing up his improved 14¼ lengths third to Il Est Francais in Kauto Star at Kempton over Christmas when narrowly denied by Henry's Friend in the Reynoldstown at Ascot. One of the better form chances; good chance also that he will be suited by further than 3m. |
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5th (7)  (5/1 +75%)Apple Away |
5/1(+75%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (7) Apple Away 5/1, Won a 3m Grade 1 novice hurdle last season and has taken well to fences this time round, placing in 3m Grade 2s at Warwick and Ascot (2½ lengths third to Henry's Friend and Kilbeg King) in recent months. This increased stamina test promises to suit her. Won Aintree Grade 1 novice hurdle; plenty of the thorough stayer about her 3m performances. |
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|PU| (6)  (10/1 -122%)Salvador Ziggy |
10/1(-122%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (6) Salvador Ziggy 10/1, Smart form when winning first 3 starts over fences and ran cracker when losing his unbeaten chase record in the Kerry National at Listowel in September, finishing second of 17 under a big weight. Below par over hurdles in US in October but good chance he'll bounce back returned to larger obstacles. Put away for this since October and trainer has a good record in it; considered seriously. |
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|PU| (3)  (33/1 -106%)Henry's Friend |
33/1(-106%) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3) Henry's Friend 33/1, Dual winner over hurdles who has improved for switch to chasing, coping with the step up to Graded level when edging out Kilbeg King in Reynoldstown at Ascot (3m, good to soft) in first-time cheekpieces last time. Could be more to come for an in-from stable which has tasted success in this before. Got the better of Kilbeg King (by a head) and Apple Away to win 3m Ascot Grade 2 last time. |
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 1 race.
EMBASSY GARDENS looks tailor-made for this contest, having scored with aplomb on both chase starts this season at Naas and Punchestown. The way he travelled and jumped on both occasions gives every indication that he will have no issue with the steep rise in distance and, furthermore, he is bred to get it, being a son of Shantou, who has always been a strong influence on stamina. It would also be fitting for Patrick Mullins to win this for a third year in succession, with the race being named after his late grandmother Maureen Mullins. Corbetts Cross is arguably the classiest horse in the race on the form of his Grade 1 second at Leopardstown over Christmas and a taking win at Fairyhouse prior to that. His jumping can leave a lot to be desired, though, and he looked to be coming to the end of his tether when running out at the last in the Albert Bartlett last year. Salvador Ziggy brings some solid handicap form to the table, having finished runner-up in last year's Pertemps and in the Kerry National, though he may need better ground to be seen at his best. The in-form Ben Pauling won this contest in 2019 with Le Breuil and he looks to have found a similar type in the shape of Reynoldstown winner Henry's Friend, who is an excellent three from four over fences this season.
It's likely the recent Irish domination of this will continue, with CORBETTS CROSS taken to prove just too strong for Embassy Gardens, whose trainer/jockey are seeking a hat-trick of wins in this, and Kerry National runner-up Salvador Ziggy.
A small but competitive field. SALVADOR ZIGGY can go one better than in the Pertemps Final, with Embassy Gardens feared most.
Ths is the racecard key.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | TomForm top stats, gold rated |
 | TomForm top stats silver rated |
 | Ran similar race before |
| S | TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out |
| T | Top Time speeed rated |
 | Top Racingpost rated |
 | At the races watchout for |
 | At the races top pick |
 | Top rated for thet statistic |
Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.
This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.
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