As we edge ever closer to the Festival, there is plenty of Graded action to enjoy this Saturday at Kempton, as well as a number of handicaps over obstacles at both Chepstow and Newcastle.
Over in Ireland, two Graded races are on the card at Fairyhouse, with a number of Grand National hopefuls in action in the Bobbyjo Chase.
There is also much to look forward to on the flat, with Listed and Group Three contests to enjoy at Lingfield, and many top class races at Riyadh on the dirt, including the eagerly anticipated Saudi Cup.
Mishriff is attempting back-to-back wins in the lucrative race for John & Thady Gosden, aiming to become the highest-earning racehorse in history, ahead of Winx.
Before we focus on the card at Riyadh, we’ll firstly preview the jumps action..
(All runners and prices are accurate at the time of writing)
Starting at Kempton, we’ll take a look at the first of the Graded races, the Grade Two Adonis Juvenile Hurdle run over two miles at 1:50.
Milton Harris’ Knight Salute deservedly heads the market, having won all four of his races over obstacles to date, since switching from the flat last summer.
In his last two appearances he has won a brace of Grade Two contests, notably beating the promising Porticello last time out at Doncaster, with Impulsive One a close third.
The course and distance winner is set to continue his rich vein of form here, but will have to give weight away to a few nicely bred youngsters making their debuts over hurdles.
Pleasant Man, by Galileo, is one of those, a new recruit for Paul Nicholls, he enjoyed three wins on the flat, including success over Pied Piper on debut in 2020.
He has run over 1m6f, showing some staying ability, and it’ll be interesting to see how he takes to hurdling.
Impulsive One won a Listed race at Musselburgh when last seen, and has looked to be a talented and progressive type for Nicky Henderson.
He has finished behind Knight Salute twice, as mentioned at Doncaster when receiving 5lbs, and prior to that run at Kempton in October, finishing two lengths behind in second when giving 7lbs to his rival.
It does appear he has plenty to do to reverse form with the favourite here, but is a talented runner that could surely contest for the places.
Lucy Wadham’s Graystone has shown improvement since making his hurdling debut in November, but this is much more competitive stepping up in class.
He receives weight here, as does Moka De Vassy who is yet to taste success in three runs.
Since disappointing as favourite on debut, Mrs Jane Williams’ gelding has shown development since, putting in two respectable performances.
Finishing second at 50/1 behind Pied Piper when last seen, he managed to reverse form with Forever William who had beaten him previously.
Teddy Blue has run once over hurdles, finishing a distant second in heavy ground at Lingfield, whilst Rubaud (Air Chief Marshal) and The Famous Five (Camelot) both make their debuts for new yards, switching from flat racing in France.
Iroko was a distant fourth in a Grade One at Chepstow in December, finishing seventeen-lengths behind winner Porticello, which suggests he is unlikely to threaten the favourite here.
Big Boy Bobby and Patient Dream are the outsiders of the field, having failed to show much ability over hurdles so far.
Our selection: Knight Salute 2/1 – it’s difficult to look past the favourite, who has a perfect record over hurdles and has form at the track, and he is certainly the most reliable selection.
Pleasant Man (4/1) is interesting on debut, whilst the unexposed Graystone (7/1) could show progression stepping up in class.
The Grade Two Pendil Novices’ Chase comes at 2:25, with five going to post.
Minella Drama is the current favourite for in-form trainer Donald McCain, who is currently recording a 29% strike rate with his runners.
The seven-year-old gelding was last seen winning a Graded contest impressively at Haydock.
He has performed reasonably well over fences so far, having been a useful hurdler, and this trip should suit.
Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy failed to fire at Sandown earlier this month, beaten twenty-seven-lengths by the winner, L’Homme Presse.
Excuses can be made however, as there have been plenty of concerns surrounding the yard’s form, and the winner of that race is unbeaten over fences and looks an extremely talented prospect.
Pic D’Orhy suffered a heavy fall when leading at Newbury in November, a race in which Millers Bank unseated his rider when clear.
Both are talented, but will need to refrain from making too many errors if they’re to challenge the favourite here.
Millers Bank has unseated his rider the last twice, at Newbury as mentioned, and at Cheltenham when last seen on New Year’s Day.
He returns to track for the first time since having wind surgery, and receives 5lbs from the top two in the market; Minella Drama and Pic D’Orhy.
Fantastic Lady is the only mare in the race, and receives the allowance, but could still has a bit to find with 154-rated Pic D’Orhy.
She is bidding for a hat-trick of wins having recorded two wins in lower class contests in the past month following a poor start to her chasing career in which she finished sixth of six at Wincanton in December.
Goa Lil is the outsider of the field stepping up to Graded company for the first time over fences, and has 31lbs to find with Pic D’Orhy on ratings, receiving 5lbs here.
Our selection: Pic D’Orhy 2/1
Minella Drama (15/8) is arguably the most reliable selection, however we’re inclined to side with Pic D’Orhy, who could just be the most talented in the field.
Nicholls’ strike-rate seems to be improving, and given the gelding can manoeuvre around the course effectively, he is the likeliest winner and the highest-rated in the race by 7lbs.
Millers Bank (4/1) could be dangerous if showing improvement following his wind op, but is prone to making mistakes and will hope for a clear passage around.
Next on the card is the 3:00 Grade Two Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle over a two-mile trip.
The market is headed by Shallwehaveonemore who impressed at Sandown on his last appearance, winning by twenty-lengths, and will hope to record a second win over hurdles for trained Gary Moore.
He finished a distant fourth when running in a Grade One in January, twenty-six lengths behind the winner Constitution Hill.
Currently rated at 133, Shallwehaveonemore is only the second highest-rated in the race,1lb lower than Iceo who will receive 9lbs here.
Paul Nicholls’ Iceo is a course and distance winner, having recorded a lower class success here in December.
Last time out he finished fourth in a Grade Two at Cheltenham won by Pied Piper, whilst giving 3lbs away to most of his rivals.
He is likely to go better here, and his current price of 7/1 seems rather big for a largely unexposed type who could be forgiven for his last run, and may improve with experience.
Moriko De Vassy is a half-brother to Moka De Vassy who features earlier on the card, and interestingly has form ahead of Iceo in the Cheltenham contest.
Tom Symonds’ Moriko De Vassy, however, has won three of his first four appearances on a racetrack, failing only at Huntingdon when a faller.
He finished almost eight-lengths ahead of Russian Ruler, whom he opposes once again here, giving him 7lbs when both were last seen at Doncaster.
They run off level weights at Kempton, with the Nicky Henderson trained Russian Ruler likely to improve on his hurdles debut, making his second start over obstacles here.
Aucunrisque steps up in class over hurdles, and is bidding for a hat-trick of wins under Tom Cannon.
Chris Gordon trains the progressive six-year-old who is more experienced than a number of those who face him here.
Dan Skelton runs Frere D’Armes who is another bidding for a hat-trick of wins, having finished second behind Balco Coastal on hurdles debut in December.
Balco Coastal has subsequently gone on to finish second in a Grade Two at Cheltenham, which gives Frere D’Armes’ form a boost.
In both of his two wins he has beaten the field by a combined distance of thirteen-lengths, and will be expected to go well in his first Graded appearance.
Galore Deassences has been successful in his last two runs, but prior to that he had seemed to struggle, with his jumping needing improvement.
He could be on an upward curve however, and it will be interesting to see if he’s able to hold his own in much classier company.
The outsider of the field is four-year-old gelding Legionar, who is making his debut over hurdles following four bumper appearances this season, winning once at Aintree in November.
Our selection: Frere D’Armes 8/1 – the Skelton runner could be an improving type who is unexposed at this level.
His recent form has been visually impressive, and there is likely more to come from him.
Aucunrisque (4/1) is also worth mentioning having beaten some nice types impressively in recent runs.
Interestingly, both selections are rated 126 and are out of unraced mares by Saint Des Saints, who himself was an exceptional jumper in France.
The Grade Three Handicap Chase at 3:37 is run over three-miles, and Evan Williiams’ Annsam is tipped to continue his good form following his Listed win in December.
He was impressive when winning at Ascot last time out, beating a number of useful types, including runner-up Phoenix Way, in a competitive handicap.
Cap Du Nord is running off an intriguing mark of 127, with the reliable Jack Tudor in the saddle claiming 3lbs.
Christian Williams’ runner could be competitive here, but will need to show improvement to claim the prize.
Stablemate Five Star Getaway is a course and distance winner having reigned supreme in a Class 2 Handicap here at the end of last year.
He’ll run off a mark of 134, and will carry 10st 10lbs, which could give him the advantage as he may be one who is showing progression as he gains more experience over fences.
The Big Breakaway has been difficult to back this season, following a disappointing final run at Aintree at the end of last season, in which he could not keep up with the pace.
He has been tried over hurdles most recently on his first run after wind surgery, finishing a close third when giving plenty of weight away.
Despite his poor run of form, he is clearly a talented horse, and he should be beating a few of these home.
Phillip Hobbs’ Zanza performed well in the Racing Post Gold Cup in December, but was pulled-up on his subsequent appearance and will need to bounce back to form.
Enrilo has failed to complete a race this season, a faller in the Ladbrokes Trophy before being pulled up at Cheltenham in December.
He ended his season well last year, however, finishing first past the post on his last two runs.
In the bet365 Gold Cup he was demoted to third, following an interference in the run in, ruled to have hampered Kitty’s Light who was running on strongly.
Kitty’s Light is the outsider of the field here, having not shown as much progression as perhaps expected.
Top-weight Good Boy Bobby is rated 150 and has been in fine form this season.
He has won a Listed Handicap, as well as a Grade Three Handicap, and finished runner-up to Aye Right.
He is certainly the one to beat on form, but this may be too tough a task for him off his current mark.
Phoenix Way benefits from claimer Kevin Brogan taking 3lbs off his racing weight, and is another who has been performing well of late.
He has a little bit to find to reverse form with Annsam, but did perform well over a shorter trip when beating recent Ascot Chase third-place Fanion D’Estruval last month.
Galahad Quest stayed on well to finish in second at Cheltenham when last seen and steps up in trip here.
He has finished behind Good Boy Bobby and Lalor this season, but could reverse form running off a much lesser mark than his rivals this time out.
Lalor will run off 149 here, which could reduce his chances in this competitive field.
He returned to action with two pulled-up appearances last season, having been off the track for over fourteen-months with heart problems, and has since switched to Paul Nicholls’ yard, finishing third in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on stable debut in November.
Zhiguli won well at Lingfield when last seen, but steps up to Graded company for the first time.
He could improve with a step up in trip, and runs off an enticing mark of 133.
Our Power runs for in-form trainer Sam Thomas, with his horses running to a 50% win rate in the past fourteen days.
Charlie Deutsch rides the seven-year-old who won on his last appearance at Huntingdon, but steps up in class here.
Beakstown represents Dan Skelton, but will have to show plenty of improvement on recent form.
Our selection: Our Power 16/1 – there is plenty to suggest he’ll enjoy the step up in trip and flourish for the trainer and jockey combination who have been getting results recently.
Good Boy Bobby (16/1) isn’t one to rule out, but may struggle giving so much weight away to some improving rivals.
Turning our attention to the flat, we take a look at the 1:30 Hever Sprint Stakes at Lingfield, a Listed race run over a distance of 5 furlongs and 6 yards.
Exalted Angel is the highest rated in the race, with a mark of 104, and is prominent in the market.
He has been rather inconsistent of late, and would need to return to form shown earlier last year, when he was last seen in the winner’s enclosure following success in a Listed contest.
Lord Riddiford is seemingly well-fancied and could have needed his run last time out.
He is aiming for back-to-back wins in this contest, having marginally beaten Moss Gill in the 2021 renewal.
Tone The Barone is largely unexposed at this level, but has shown plenty of progression and did beat Exalted Angel in December.
Mondammej enjoyed a decent run of races between the end of October and January, but didn’t fire when last seen at Southwell, finishing fifth of sixth in a handicap.
He is certainly well thought of, however, and could be overlooked in the market.
Strong Power completed a hat-trick of wins in nine days here in January, beating Tone The Barone by two-lengths in his second win.
On that occasion he did receive plenty of weight from his rival, and will run off level weight here, which could easily suggest a reversal in form.
One Night Stand finished half-a-length behind Lord Riddiford when last seen, receiving 11lbs, but plenty more is needed if he’s to be competitive.
Our selection: Mondammej 5/1 – despite finishing fifth last time out, he was only beaten by two-and-a-quarter-lengths whilst giving plenty of weight to all of his rivals, notably 15lbs to the winner, Caroline Dale.
An improved finish could be on the cards this time out, for this son of Lope De Vega.
The Group Three Winter Derby Stakes is run at 2:05, with John and Thady Gosden’s stalwart Lord North heading the market as the well-fancied favourite.
He hasn’t been seen since winning well at Meydan last March, where he burst a blood vessel, but was expected to compete in the Prince Of Wales’ Stakes, won by Love, at Royal Ascot in June, until the ground was deemed too quick.
If performing to his best after a lengthy lay-off, he’ll almost certainly be the one to beat and is the proven class of the race.
Alenquer has plenty to like about him, and enjoyed a fruitful campaign last year.
He is yet to be seen on an all-weather surface, however, and has appeared to be performing effectively on a softer surface.
When last seen he finished ninth of a classy field of fourteen in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on heavy ground, and prior to that finished second to Mishriff in the Group One Juddmonte International Stakes, ahead of some excellent opposition.
Forest Of Dean is the second runner for the Gosden partnership, and is aiming to retain his crown.
He has only been seen twice since, finishing third and twelfth respectively.
Fancy Man appears to be a progressive type, who has been gradually improving and performing consistently for his trainer, Richard Hannon.
He was last seen winning the Winter Derby Trial earlier this month, and is not one to rule out.
Al Zaraqaan, the bigger-priced mount of Hollie Doyle, for Archie Watson, was last seen finishing fourth behind Fancy Man and King Of The South.
Prior to that, he won a lower class race, but has much to do to reverse form with his rivals.
King Of The South recorded a three-timer before finishing second to Fancy Man in the Trial Stakes.
On that run, it’s difficult to see him reversing form, and he could be more suited to handicaps.
Pistoletto and Barn Owl are the outsiders of the field, and have plenty to find on ratings, running off marks of 90 and 91 respectively.
Our selection: Lord North 11/10 – if at his best, he should be winning this, but the only concern is whether or not he’ll need the run after his absence.
If he is to underperform, the progressive Fancy Man (4/1) could be the one to take advantage, with the talented Alenquer unproven on the surface and probably preferring a ground with more give.
There is plenty of British and Irish interest in Riyadh, with many British and Irish trained horses making the trip to Saudi Arabia to compete against international rivals.
In the opener at 12:45, the popular Pyledriver is the shortest-priced of the British based runners and will have to defy a wide draw in stall 14.
He is trained by William Muir and Chris Grassick, with regular jockey Martin Dwyer onboard who will be hoping to manoeuvre him into a good position.
Solid Stone is Sir Michael Stoute’s representative and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.
He comes into the race off the back of two Group Three wins on British soil.
Tom Marquand rides Grocer Jack who makes his debut for William Haggas’ yard, whilst Harrovian is the mount of Frankie Dettori for trainers John and Thady Gosden.
Passion And Glory recorded three wins in England last summer, including a Group Three success at Goodwood.
Pat Cosgrave rides the Saeed bin Suroor trained gelding.
At 1:25, Naval Crown is the fancied favourite for Charlie Appleby and James Doyle, and was last seen winning a Group Two at Meydan last month.
The familiar name of Rohaan lines up for David Evans, in the hands of Ryan Moore, and connections will be hoping he can return to form, having been less than impressive since recording a hat-trick of wins last spring.
Pogo is the mount of Kieran Shoemark, for trainer Charles Hills, whilst Happy Power represents Andrew Balding and will be ridden by David Egan.
Four-year-old filly Happy Romance, for Richard Hannon, will be partnered by Tom Marquand for the first time, and has been one of our horses to follow.
She is a very competent performer on her day, and gets the fillies’ allowance here, receiving weight from most of her rivals.
Joseph O’Brien’s Thunder Moon is another capable of plenty when at his best, but he hasn’t quite been firing of late.
He did run at Dundalk last month, finishing second as favourite, but could go better here and the trip should suit.
Siskany, Sonnyboyliston and Baron Samedi are all prominent in the market ahead of the staying 2:05 race, run over 1 mile, 7 furlongs.
Johnny Murtagh’s Sonnyboyliston recorded two impressive wins in York and Curragh respectively last season, whilst Siskany won a Listed race for Charlie Appleby when seen at Meydan last month.
Baron Samedi is another on the card for Joseph O’Brien, and will attempt to add another international win to his name, having already won high-class races in the USA and France.
Former Prix du Cadran winner Princess Zoe takes her chance for Anthony Mullins, whilst Nayef Road has been seen regularly finishing behind Stradivarius in British staying contests, and runs for Charlie and Mark Johnston.
Dubai Future and Desert Fire both represent Saeed bin Suroor, with the latter coming into the race on the back of a Group Two win.
In the 4:05, stablemates Noble Truth and Sovereign Prince are set to feature for Godolphin, as is Island Falcon.
Three-year-old filly Oscula will need to show improvement for George Boughey, but may appreciate a sounder surface, and at 4:45 Good Effort features for trainer Ismail Mohammed, pairing up with Jim Crowley once again.
The finale comes at 5:35, with the anticipated return of the world’s richest race, the Saudi Cup.
Mishriff aims to become the highest-earning racehorse in history, by winning back-to-back renewals of the race.
Regular jockey David Egan retains the ride aboard the five-year-old reigning champion.
There’s plenty of international talent aiming to take the trophy however, and American-trained Mandaloun is well-fancied for trainer Brad Cox.
He beat Midnight Bourbon on his last appearance in a Grade Three affair, and he could be the most likely threat to Mishriff.
T O Keynes runs for Daisuke Takayanagi, a recent Grade One winner in Japan.
Art Collector has been very successful for connections, and has recorded three wins in four starts for new trainer William Mott.
Midnight Bourbon is used to finishing second to high-class horses, and may find one or two too good again here.
Magny Cours finished third in the Bahrain International Trophy when last seen, but won a Group Three at Saint-Cloud on his prior appearance, albeit on very soft ground.
Real World will be ridden by Frankie Dettori, and is bidding for a sixth successive win for trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
He appears to be a tad overpriced at 12/1, considering his exceptional run of form and lightly-raced profile, but the ground may not be to his liking.
Country Grammer was last seen winning a Grade One at Santa Anita, whilst Marche Lorraine won at Del Mar at big odds of 50/1 on her last appearance.
French-trained Sealiway won the Champion Stakes at Ascot on his last appearance, but is yet to perform on ground such as this.
He is a useful type on his day, and could outrun his odds of 18/1 if he copes with the track.
Secret Ambition, Aero Trem, Making Miracles and Emblem Road complete the line-up, whilst Great Scot and Alkhateeb are reserves.
KM
THE CONDITIONAL 