Katie Midwinter (14/12/23)
12:05pm – Novices’ Hurdle (Class 3)
An interesting novices’ contest that features a number of exciting young horses. Dysart Enos, unbeaten under rules, represents an in-form Fergal O’Brien yard, bidding for a fifth successive victory. The five-year-old daughter of Malinas has excelled this year with Grade Two bumper success at Aintree following a Listed win at Market Rasen.
Whilst her hurdling debut could have been more impressive, Dysart Enos is capable of showing further improvement and still looks a work in progress that possesses a touch of class. However, the visit to Cheltenham on a softer surface could leave her vulnerable against a number of improving geldings and Beat The Bat poses a dangerous threat.
The Harry Fry-trained gelding was narrowly touched off by Masaccio in a Chepstow maiden hurdle before prevailing over the promising Welcom To Cartries at Ascot. He is proven over further which is a bonus but has to give 7lbs to the favourite.
Hat-trick seeking Kintail enters calculations whilst Meatloaf, a half-brother to Thyme White, is an exciting prospect who should go well. Shinji represents plenty of value for Martin Keighley having previously finished ahead of Meatloaf in a Listed Newbury event, the form of which has been franked on multiple occasions, whilst Irish-raider Soldante, a recent maiden hurdle winner, had previously finished second in a bumper to now 135-rated Firm Footings, and may be overlooked.
Selection:
No selection
12:40pm – Novices’ Chase (Class 2)
Grey Dawning impressed to land the Graduation Chase when last seen but is now burdened with an 8lb penalty. The form of his Haydock success has been franked with Apple Away going on to record her fist chasing victory at Leicester on Wednesday, and the decision to remain over this intermediate trip is a positive. If able to get into a comfortable rhythm out in front, he could be difficult to catch and is the one to beat in this contest.
Another potential pace angle is Ginny’s Destiny who made all to win at the track last month. However, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding was flattered by a winning margin of ten-lengths given that favourite Crebilly had fallen at the second last when travelling strongly into the race. It is set to be a fascinating rematch between the pair in a race that also features the talented Trelawne, who bids for a four-timer, recent winner Tritonic and chase debutant Blue Hop.
Selection:
Grey Dawning 7/4
1:15pm – Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
Unbeaten Doddiethegreat bids for a fifth career success for Nicky Henderson, dropping in class following a two-length victory at Ascot. The unexposed seven-year-old makes his handicap debut off a mark of 131 and could be difficult to beat.
Williethebuilder could only manage fourth when expected to go well in a Grade Two at the track in October, finishing five-and-three-quarter-lengths behind winner Lookaway, who went on to finish second in the Greatwood Hurdle. Runner-up Kamsinas subsequently landed a Grade Two victory of his own at Haydock, suggesting that Williethebuilder’s performance may have been better than first anticipated considering the strength of the opposition on that occasion. With the benefit of a recent run at the track, the E110,000 purchase could fare better now in a lower level contest.
Sixth in the Greatwood Hurdle when last seen, Go Dante runs for the second time following wind surgery, now 1lb lower following his most recent Cheltenham escapades. He had been subject to market support before being sent off at odds of 16/1, representing excellent each-way value, and, despite being unable to challenge for the major honours, he showed promise and can build on a positive performance.
Panjari, a two-time Listed winner on the Flat, finished fifth on hurdling debut, failing to settle and relax in the preliminaries, squashing any chance of success on his first run for Paul Nicholls. The son of Camelot was beaten by Lowry’s Bar on reappearance before finally landing a maiden success at Taunton. The unexposed five-year-old has class, and could shape into a formidable force in the novice hurdle ranks if he is able to show further improvement.
Nigel Hawke-trained Donnacha finished second to Impose Toi, when in receipt of 9lbs, at the track last month and could go well again, whilst consistent performance Kaleb has finished second twice in two runs this term and could have each-way claims at a big price.
Selection:
Panjari 11/2 & Go Dante 15/2 (EW)
1:50pm – Mares’ Handicap Chase (Class 3)
Gavin Cromwell has enjoyed his fair share of success in Britain this season with five victories included in the 60 percent of his runners who have succeeded in finishing among the first four.
The Irish trainer saddles chase handicap debutante La Malmason, attempting a first success since her debut victory at Cork last year. Although the five-year-old daughter of Walk In The Park must carry a hefty burden off top weight, she brings a high level of form into the race following a third-placed finish behind Drinmore Novice Chase runner-up Found A Fifty and the capable Colonel Mustard.
Course-and-distance winner Walk In Clover is a formidable opponent off 122, following her recent placed effort behind Triple Trade and Calico at the track. Now back against her own sex, she holds leading claims stepping back up in trip for trainer Dan Skelton.
Mad About Sally is 9lbs higher than when successful at Chepstow recently and despite being the oldest in the field, along with fellow eight-year-old Lilith, she is capable of showing further improvement for Oliver Signy.
Selection:
La Malmason 4/1
2:25pm – Veterans’ Handicap Chase (Class 2)
Le Ligerien is up 5lbs for his Kempton success last month but is in good form and could have a part to play once again despite being rated at his highest since tailed off in the 2020 County Hurdle, running off a career-high chase mark.
The trip appears to be too short for strong stayer Storm Control, and likewise Lord Du Mesnil. The former seems more fancied than the latter, however Lord Du Mesnil does have in-form jockey Gavin Sheehan aboard who could be able to make a difference aboard his mount and cajole the ten-year-old into the race.
Course-and-distance winner Cepage sports first-time cheekpieces for Venetia Williams. Dropped 5lbs for a disappointing effort at Warwick, he has been sparingly seen over the past few seasons and is difficult to select with much confidence, despite the form of the yard in recent times.
Likeable eleven-year-old Top Ville Ben is partnered by Harry Cobden for the first time, 19lbs lower than his last winning chase mark, on the same mark as when behind the subsequent Ultima fourth, The Goffer, in a competitive Grade A handicap at Leopardstown. Likely to be prominent, he may possess the speed required to see off his stamina-laden rivals over this trip.
Sam Brown was disappointing when last seen in the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton. Still capable of playing a part but may prefer further than this and is a risky selection considering he has failed to complete in his last three outings.
Selection:
Top Ville Ben 8/1 (EW)
3:00pm – Cross Country Handicap Chase (Class 2)
Current market leader Latenightpass is 3lbs higher following a second-placed finish behind Foxy Jacks over course-and-distance last month. The experienced contender holds leading claims given his suitability to the track and strong staying ability.
Classy Irish-raider Galvin has been gaining valuable experience over the cross country fences and, although his sights will be set on bigger targets next year, he is likely to be in contention on a mark of 157. His Cullentra stablemate Fury Road also features, but a mark of 156 appears stiff enough and he may struggle to be competitive until provided with a mark that is a more accurate representation of his current ability.
Former Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is a star attraction and an interesting inclusion in the race. Trainer Henry de Bromhead hinted at the possibility of a stint over the cross country fences recently, and it seems a wise move given Minella Indo’s regressive performances at Grade One level. The ten-year-old remains a classy contender, proven with a Grade Three success on his reappearance this term, however he lacks the speed to be competitive in the top contests and a change could be what’s needed to reignite the spark.
The progressive Gesskille has thrived in similar contests at Aintree and Auteuil, and is now bidding for a hat-trick of victories in the hands of Henry Brooke. Representing the Oviler Greenall and Josh Guerriero partnership, he is an intriguing contender on his first trip to Prestbury Park and is likely to play a part in the finish.
Enjoy D’allen’s burden is eased by 3lbs with the booking of claimer Eoin Walsh for trainer Ciaran Murphy. The nine-year-old has shown promise over marathon trips in the past, and a mark of 141 could be lenient considering he has previously placed in an Irish Grand National when rated 1lbs higher, with a 3lb claimer onboard.
Selection:
Enjoy D’allen 14/1 (EW)
3:35pm – Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Progressive seven-year-old White Rhino runs off a career-high mark of 123, up 5lbs for his second-placed finish at the track last month. It’s worth noting he was short of room in the closing stages, and may well have fared better with a clearer passage in the final furlong. He remains a horse on an upward trajectory, but now faces his toughest task yet.
Gyenyame was last seen finishing second to Springwell Bay at the November Meeting, staying on well to place when on a mark of 120. Now 2lbs higher, the consistent five-year-old is capable of showing further improvement and holds strong each-way claims. Tiger Jet followed Gyenyame home in third at Cheltenham when last seen, and despite being given a 2lb rise, he could be an each-way contender at a double figure price.
Last year’s winner Captain Morgs is 3lbs higher this time around, but comes into the race in similar form following a second-placed finish to Mofasa at Huntingdon. Whilst he will likely make a bold bid in an attempt to retain his crown, his stablemate Bold Endeavour could pose a dangerous threat in the hands of 5lb claimer Freddie Gordon.
Bold Endeavour is the highest-rated in the race but with his weight burden eased plus his recent fifth-placed finish in a competitive handicap hurdle at Haydock, he could be the best of the Seven Barrows pair.
Selection:
Bold Endeavour 11/2
All prices/runners are correct at the time of publishing.
THE CONDITIONAL 