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Landrake is from the family of Grand National winner Rule The World and he had some nice novice hurdle form in Ireland before disappointing over fences. He made his debut for us at the recent Aintree Grand National meeting but hadn't done enough work, honestly, and blew up. He will strip much fitter here. Back in a chase, he has to prove himself, but the fences at Hexham are small and he does jump well at home. Track and ground will suit as will the drop in class. Chances.

Fraceur Du Large came to us this year and promptly completed the Royal Artillery/Grand Military Gold Cup double at Sandown, his 130 rating based on Irish form fitting the race conditions perfectly. Up to 136 for those wins, he ran very well to be 5th in the Midlands Grand National last time. We've given him time to recover and now, back to 3m and down in class, we have to be hopeful on his return to Uttoxeter.

Ga Law has had another good season. It began with a creditable, albeit non-staying 7th behind our ill-fated winner Datsalrightgino in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. After a break, he came back to form with an impressive win in a handicap off 150 over 2m4f on trials day at Cheltenham. Soft ground went against him in the Ryanair last time but back on his favoured nicer ground, he should run well, albeit needing a career-best performance to win.

Up For Parol had decent novice form a couple of years ago but has gone winless since. He has been placed plenty of times including over 2m4f at Fakenham last time. He should appreciate stepping up to 3m for the first time. He has top-weight, but with young Will taking 10lb off, should run well.

A home-bred mare by Sinndar, Gentoo is making a belated racecourse debut. She jumps well but is bound to improve for the experience.

Cindysox is by the great Kayf Tara out of Golden Gael, who won the Sidney Banks Hurdle around here. Cindysox ran well in her bumper but picked up an injury and has been off for 18 months since. She jumps nicely and should have a future but is sure to improve mentally and physically for this hurdles debut.

Spitfire Girl won over the course in March last year but has been generally disappointing this time around. It's competitive and we would be delighted if she got a share of the spoils.

Goose Man is a remarkable 12-year-old who took his opportunity early in the season and is now contesting hunter-chases. Third is a similar contest last time, he can be there at the business end today.

After some smart performances through the winter, we hoped that Rogel Pol would go well in the NH Final at Sandown but he got stuck in the mud that day. Back in novice company with a single penalty, we have to hope that on this better surface, he can go very close.

Hollygrove Cha Cha was impressive on her racecourse debut at Stratford,  winning nicely despite muddy conditions last month. She looks to have stepped forward again at home and can certainly win under her penalty before tackling better grade.

Obsessedwithyou bolted up on debut in an NH development hurdle, won again and then was placed 4th in two higher grade contests. She has been slightly disappointing this season, but that was on soft ground, so we freshened her up and waited for the spring. That patience can have its reward today.

Beholden won two novice hurdles in the 2021-22 season but picked up an injury and was off games for more than a year before his comeback run. I wasn't happy with him then, so he's had more time off and he's come back bouncing and in top form. He's a course and distance winner and nicely handicapped. Not without a chance in a bad race.

Value Added has high-class flat-race stamina in her pedigree. She was rated as high as 85 on the flat over around 1m2f but she ought to stay 2m over hurdles. She jumps well and could be pretty useful but will improve for this hurdles debut.

Git Maker had an excellent first season over fences in 2022-23 winning two of four and looked tailor-made for some major prizes this term. After winning on comeback at Lingfield, he jumped left-handed at Ascot, also finding fast going unsuitable. Then he ran a belter in 2nd at the Cheltenham Festival 18 lengths clear of the 3rd home in the Kim Muir. Winner of six of his 11 starts we think he will enjoy this test of stamina. Off his light weight, we think he has a great chance of running a big race.

Ex-French and 84 rated on the flat, Torneo was always going to be a good hurdling prospect. After two good runs, including a 3rd at Kempton over Christmas, he bolted up at Wetherby and then ran an excellent 3rd in the mud at Fontwell last time. Given time to recover and on nicer ground today he can continue the improvement and shouldn't be far away.

After a couple of disappointing runs, Double Click ran a battling race to come through late to win over this course and distance last time out. While this looks a better contest, he will enjoy conditions and should run another good race.

Topically, Landrake is related to Grand National winner  Rule The World on the female side of his pedigree. He had useful novice hurdles form in Ireland but disappointed over fences this season. He makes his debut for us back over hurdles in a very tough handicap but we feel he goes there with an each-way chance.

As the name suggests, Ellies Sister is indeed a sister to the useful chase mare Ellie Mac. She showed glimmers in bumpers but has taken an age to get the hang of hurdling. She'll do better when in her own class handicapping.

Big Cheese, who makes his debut over hurdles here, won over 1m6f on the flat where he had a 72 rating. He jumps really nicely and I feel he has a future at this discipline. He has a chance in what isn't a strong race, but will obviously improve for the experience.

La Marquise looked above average when winning on debut in soft ground at Stratford in November but disappointed in a Listed event at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Back against her own sex next time she defied a penalty at Chepstow. This is a big step up in class but she is a smart mare that I think has a big future.

After winning on chasing debut at Chepstow, Colonel Harry was 2nd in the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown then won the 2m4f Grade 2 Towton at Wetherby. The ground was too lively when he was 3rd back at Sandown in the Scilly Isles, but he was staying on strongly up the hill at Cheltenham behind a couple of today's rivals. He'll love the heavy ground and if not getting outpaced halfway through the race, is capable of running a huge race at a big price.

Hardy Du Seuil had a setback in the autumn but came back a bigger, stronger individual. He ran a great race when 3rd on comeback but at Cheltenham last month, the whole occasion got to him. We're back over hurdles now and hopefully, he can start to get his confidence back.

Golden Maverick was a prolific winner on the flat last year for previous connections, rated 83. and we always thought he would make a decent hurdler. After a couple of placed efforts, he comfortably won a weak race last time and looks progressive. He starts handicapping on a fair mark and should have every chance of running a big race.

From a family we know well Janworth was 3rd on her bumper debut then picked up an injury. Off for a year, she ran well for a long way on her hurdles debut and then was 4th last time. She is sure to improve as she goes through this spring.

Up For Parol won two novice hurdles and a decent handicap at Haydock two seasons ago. He has some good handicap form since but has gone winless for two years. Down in class but off top-weight, he should run a big race today.

Non-runner

Laurens Bay was a very promising 2nd in one of the first 4-year-old Irish point-to-points of 2023. He has been given time to mature and strengthen and is another promising recruit to the team. This looks a competitive bumper but our lad should be in the mix.

A winner over hurdles at Taunton last season, we switched Spitfire Girl to fences this term. She had schooled and worked well beforehand so it was a blow when she was disqualified having put up a great effort to get her head in front. She hasn't shown the same form over fences since, so we're back over hurdles. She won this race last year off 2lb less and now back up in trip and on the drier spring ground, we hope it will help her show some form again.

Jack Sprat has been quite backward but is improving and won a race earlier in the winter in the manner of a horse who had just started his progressive journey. He has not been beaten far in four races since. including a 2nd and two 4th places and shouldn't be too far away today. The step up in trip should suit him.

Non-runner

Idy Wood, placed in two Irish points, won on his bumper debut for us at Newbury and then first time over hurdles at Fontwell. He followed that by running a blinder in 3rd in a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham before winning under a penalty at Plumpton. He was a very good 3rd in another Grade 2 on his latest start and now steps into handicap company for the first time. He shouldn't be too far away in what looks a very competitive affair.

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After losing his form over fences last season we switched Soldier Of Destiny back to novice hurdles and he picked up a couple of 2nd places on either side of another chasing disappointment. He's had a recent wind-op and last time back over fences he jumped super before the inadequate 2m3f on soft ground found him out. Back up in trip today, he should be competitive.

La Marquise is by an exciting young French sire Beaumec De Houelle, a son of the great Martaline. She looked well above average when winning on debut at Stratford in November on soft ground. She then disappointed in the Listed bumper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day when the only female in the race,  but now in calmer waters against her own sex, she can defy her penalty. We think she is smart and has a very bright future.

Double Click won successive races last spring but went through a disappointing spell either side of his summer break. He has the ability to win again and this is pretty low-grade stuff. He handles soft ground and 2m seems to be his trip so he's not wiithout an each-way chance if things fall his way.

Phone Home was 2nd in two NH Junior Development hurdle races last season and after her break returned with an improved showing, again finishing 2nd. Too free next time, she then recorded another runner-up spot in a first-time tongue-tie. Last time she found 2m5f too much of a stamina test and should appreciate being back at 2m. She shouldn't be too far away.

Golden Maverick was rated 83  on the flat after winning five times at up to 1m2f. He has taken well to jumping but was very green on debut, albeit 2nd to a promising individual. Next time, he got a fair bit back in the pack and although he stayed on strongly, he couldn't get to the first two. This looks a weaker race and gives him every chance of getting his head in front.

Placed twice over hurdles last season, we always had the strapping Regarde marked out for a career over fences. He won well in a handicap chase on debut in the autumn and made light of a 6lb rise next time tackling an inadequate trip. The 12lb rise he got for that seemed harsh but he ran another solid race when 3rd at Newcastle before falling last time out.  We've given him time to recover and now, with cheek-pieces applied, he should get back on track with another good display here.

The nicely-bred Shady Daisy was unlucky in running when 3rd on her racecourse debut. Since then she has missed a bit of time through injury and has taken a while to return to form. She jumps well and should be capable of winning races in the spring, but this looks competitive.

We've had a great few weeks with Farceaur Du Large, winning both the Royal Artillery Gold Cup and Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown. His Irish rating had dropped to 130 which fulfilled the criteria for those races and he took advantage. Now up again to the old mark of 136, he tackles a very competitive Midlands Grand National but he is in form and we are hoping he can complete the hat-trick by collecting this valuable prize.

Twice successful in his four chases as a novice last winter, we expected Git Maker to enjoy a good time in high-class handicaps this season. He won on his return at Lingfield, but jumped left spoiling his chance at Ascot last time out when he also found the ground too quick. Winner of six of his ten career starts, he should appreciate this type of test and we expect him to run a big race. Fantastic each-way value.

Ga Law did us proud last season, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup on this track before falling at the last when in a winning position in the Skybet Chase at Doncaster. He struggled for a while for form but showed he was back when 7th, despite not getting the 3m2f of the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. We brought him here for a handicap on Trials Day and he made light of his mark of 150. He needs to step forward again but is in the form of his life and we're hopeful of a big run if the ground doesn't soften further.

Smart in novice hurdles last season, Colonel Harry was always going to be a better chaser - he won two point-to-points before joining us. A grand jumper, he won on his chase debut at Chepstow, and finished 2nd in the Henry VIII before winning the Grade 2 Towton at Wetherby. Up to 2m4f, he found the ground too lively when 3rd in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown. He needs to take another step forward in this sort of race but if the ground stays soft he can run into a place.

After a successful season returning to hurdles in 2022-23, Hardy Du Seuil had a setback in the autumn but is now a bigger, stronger individual. He ran a great race when 3rd after his absence at Sandown and there is scope in his handicap mark to progress. As ever, this is very competitive but with luck in running, he can run a big race.

It was great to start Cheltenham week so well yesterday and now we have last year's Festival winner You Wear It Well going for the double. She had a break after winning the Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle last year, and looked to show improvement when winning the Listed stayers' hurdle race at Wetherby under a penalty in the autumn after her summer break. She was 3rd in the Fighting Fifth at Sandown and then 2nd in a Grade 2 in January. She didn't appreciate the deep ground at Haydock last time when a bad mistake cost her the race and Gavin was easy on her afterwards. Back at the scene of her greatest triumph, she should run a massive race but the favourite looks tough to beat. A deep race, but we're a big each-way price.

Well-connected pedigree-wise, newcomer Hollygrove Cha Cha had a year's pre-training before joining us. She has done plenty for this debut but will obviously improve mentally and physically for the run. There are some highly talked-of horses that cost plenty from the Irish point field in this, but we think our mare has ability. She shouldn't be far away.

Milldam has been in great form this season, winning twice in four starts, each time at 2m on soft ground. Up 3lb for the last one where the form is working out well, he should again be competitive in what looks a strong contest.

Bellas Bridge ran well when 3rd on bumper debut at Hereford, beaten only one length. She had her palate fired afterwards, winning on her next start at Ludlow. This race has been the plan since and she has been working well. Another tough assignment and the hoped-for top-three finish would give her some valuable black type.

Roger Pol won two bumpers last season. He jumps well and improved on his 2nd on hurdles debut to win a novice at Fakenham over 2m. He progressed again to be 2nd in a competitive handicap at Ascot over Christmas and was again the runner-up back in novice company when trying to defy a penalty last time. Best on RPRs in a seriously competitive Final, he comes here with a good each-way chance.

Last season was frustrating for Super Survivor as he didn't get his preferred soft ground and was restricted to three runs. After a promising 2nd on comeback this season, he found the Welsh Grand National coming too soon in his development, The experience left its mark and he didn't run well at Leicester last time out. We've given him time to recover and switch him back to hurdles here. He should find things easier, but he needs to get his career back on track.

After an excellent novice hurdle campaign Passing Well was a fine runner-up on chase debut at Ascot and improved to win upped to 2m4f at Lingfield. He ran a belter when narrowly beaten at Ascot, and the form of all three runs worked out exceptionally well. He had excuses for the latest poor effort at  Exeter and now back at Newbury and down in trip he should run another big race.

Initially backward, Jack Sprat has been improving and won earlier this winter. He is progressive and hasn't been beaten far the last twice. He should not be too far away.

Janworth was 3rd on bumper debut but then picked up an injury. Off for a year, she ran well for a long way on her hurdling debut and is sure to improve as she goes forward through the spring.

Midnight Venture is by the classy Telescope out of a six-time winner we used to train. Although it's her first day at school she has done plenty of work over the winter. She should run well but will improve mentally and physically for the experience. It doesn't look a strong race so she should be capable of running well.

Placed in two Irish points, Idy Wood won on Rules debut in a bumper at Newbury. A good jumper, he won well on his hurdling debut at Fontwell and then ran a blinder when 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham, before defying a penalty back in easier grade at Plumpton. He's fourth-best here on the figures, but is in good form and can outrun his big odds.

Up For Parol won a couple of novice hurdles and then a decent handicap at Haydock two years ago. He has some good handicap form to his name but has gone winless throughout the intervening time. Down in class here, albeit with top-weight, he should run a big race today.

Runs in 1.58 Chepstow

Double Click was 3rd on stable debut but stepped forward from that when winning a maiden hurdle at Wincanton last spring. He won again on his handicap debut at Ffos Las but disappointed twice this winter. Back at 2m on deep ground, he showed improved form last time when 2nd to a very well-handicapped horse. He can resume his progress and go very close today.

Golden Maverick, a five-time flat race winner, is by Zarak, who is producing some useful jumpers as well as smart flat-racers and is from a winning French mare from a black-type family. He was rated 82 on the flat winning up to 1m2f. He has taken well to jumping and looks to have a bright future but was very green on his hurdling debut. finishing 2nd to a promising individual. There doesn't seem to be anything of that calibre in today's large field so as long as he jumps better today, he should run a big race.

Idy Wood won on bumper debut and progressed to win first time out over hurdles at Fontwell. He next ran a blinder in 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham before defying his penalty last time back in a novice. Now he has a 10lb penalty to shoulder which will be tough against strong opposition, but he doesn't know how to run a bad race and should be in the mix once again.

Bumper winner You Wear It Well progressed throughout last season, firstly with two easy novice hurdle victories. She continued by winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at Sandown and memorably, the Grade 2 Mares' Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. This season she improved again to win a Listed at Wetherby under a penalty; was 3rd in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth and 2nd in another Grade 2 last time. She is the one they all have to beat back down at Listed level.

Fareur Du Large had a busy career in Ireland before joining us and his impressive win in the Grand Military Gold Cup over today's course and distance. After initially winning a couple of chases, he struggled, but then again in such as the Irish Grand National, Midlands National and the Galway Plate. From a high of 136, he was down to 130 and that allowed him to squeeze into the Grand Military Gold Cup's upper limit of 130. In a race with similar conditions and opposition, hopefully, it will be the same result.

Hardy Du Seuil won novice chases as a  4yo but we sent him back hurdling last season when he won a valuable handicap around here and was narrowly beaten on a couple of occasions. He had a setback in the autumn but came back in a far bigger, stronger individual. It's now time to send him back over fences. He's working well, jumping great and should run a nice race here, albeit in a competitive handicap. 

Torneo was a useful performer on the flat in France, earning a rating equating to 84. He was 2nd on hurdling debut, then a good 3rd in a decent race at Kempton over Christmas. He bolted up in a weak race at Wetherby and starts handicapping off a very workable mark. With his huge weight for age allowance, he has a lot in his favour.

Shady Daisy is a half-sister to bumper/hurdle winner Fontsanta and Dusky Days, who won a bumper for us on racecourse debut. Third on her racecourse debut at Newbury when unlucky in running, she then ducked out the wrong side of a marker at Stratford when still in contention. She was injured on her final bumper start just over a year ago but ran well on her hurdles debut after the lay-off until tiring late on. If she can cope with the softer ground, she could run into a place.

Milldam disappointed on his seasonal reappearance last autumn but appreciated dropping back to 2m on a deep surface at Ffos Las in December and won quite impressively. He didn't appear to get home over 2m3.5f at Wetherby so he's back to 2m again here. This is a qualifier for the series and in a competitive race, he should go close.

A winning juvenile in France, the beautifully-bred Kitesurfer joined us from now retired Harry Whittington last summer He works well and schools great but disappointed us on stable debut so we stepped him up in trip adding a tongue-tie and he ran a better race. After disappointing again last time, we've given him a wind-op and he has first-time cheek-pieces on today, so hoping for better!

Non-runner

Phone Home did well last season, placed in two introductory NH novice hurdles, and improved on that first time after a summer break when 2nd at Huntingdon. She was too free next time, but in a first-time tongue-tie at Catterick, stepped forward with another 2nd place. This mares' maiden isn't the strongest and if she can relax over the longer trip, she ought to collect her first win.

Schematic was in training last season but was too big and backward to run. A lovely type, he's a future chaser so needs all the time and patience we can give him. He showed more second time out when 4th at Taunton. While a reproduction of that would earn a place, any improvement on it would give him a chance to get his head in front.

The high-class, 105-rated Reach For The Moon was 2nd in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot as a 3yo, but having lost his form last year, he has come to us for a career over hurdles. He jumps well and works exceptionally well. Provided he shows that on the track and handles softer ground he could develop into a high-class jumper. This doesn't look a strong race, so hopefully he can get his head in front today and build on that.

Audacious Annie is by Jack Hobbs out of a winning black-type mare who has produced four winners from five runners including our Cheltenham Festival winner You Wear It Well.  Impressive on racecourse debut at Wetherby on soft ground, I'm sure she will have improved for that effort and should run well in this Listed bumper. This looks like a decent renewal but we love her and hope she can follow in the footsteps of her sister.

San Frandisco has an outstanding jumping pedigree and quickly lived up to it with a blistering performance in a 4yo point-to-point at Monksgrange. The son of Jukebox Jury made a promising start for us when 2nd in a Chepstow bumper then duly romped home at Haydock. He seems to be improving, so while he gets a penalty for the Haydock success he should run another good race today.

Colonel Harry had a great novice hurdle season in 2022-23, winning twice and finishing placed in two Graded races including the Tolworth here. He jumps fences well and made a winning start at Chepstow, before running 2nd to Le Patron in the Grade 1 Henry VIII over two miles on this track. He followed that by winning the 2m4f Towton (Grade 2) at Wetherby. This is mighty competitive but there doesn't seem to be much between all of them and he shouldn't be far away.

Soldier Of Destiny did well early in his chasing career, winning two nice novice handicaps in the 2021-2 season. A fall at Wetherby last season when still in contention seemed to damage his confidence. Now, though, having given him a couple of runs over hurdles to restore it, and also a wind-op, he could be ready for a better performance back over fences.

Golden Maverick won five times on the flat for Ian Williams and we picked up the 83-rated 4yo at the HIT sales. He has taken really well to jumping and looks to have a bright future in this discipline. I think he will go very close on this debut.

The 11yo Goose Man is a versatile animal with six wins from 17 starts over distance from two miles to 3m2f, split between hurdles and chases. Off the track for 972 days having suffered two tendon injuries, it look a lot of work to get him back to the track. He won a poor race quite impressively on debut for us and then returning to fences at Newbury ran a good 4th. He looks tailor-made for a campaign in hunter chases and the aim is to win two thereby qualifying him for the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters.

After winning an Irish point-to-point as a 5yo, Regarde was placed in two of his four novice hurdle starts last season. But we always thought this strapping individual was built for fences, so it was no surprise when he won well on his novice handicap chase debut. Up 6lb for that, he won well again, this time over an inadequate trip. I thought 12lb more for that was harsh yet he still ran a solid race when 3rd but lacked the gears to be involved. He looks the type to improve for softer ground and hopefully, he is strong enough now to handle that this season.

Spitfire Girl was placed 2nd in three bumpers and was then a winner over hurdles at Taunton. We sent her over fences and after passing the post in front on debut she lost it in the stewards' room. Unfortunately, she has lost her form since so now we're reverting to hurdles. Hopefully, she can show a bit more here.

The winner of two bumpers last season, we knew Roger Pol jumped well and after a 2nd on hurdles debut, he improved to win at Fakenham. It was another step forward when he finished 2nd in a competitive handicap at Ascot's pre-Christmas meeting. Now back with novices, he looks the one to beat.

Passing Well was always going to be a significant chaser and his opening 2nd at Ascot was improved upon by a win over 2m4f at Lingfield. He ran probably his best race of all when denied in a tight finish over 2m6f at Newbury. The form of all three races is working out exceptionally well. He shouldn't be too far away here, albeit in another highly-competitive affair.

The nicely-bred Janworth is a sister by Norse Dancer to our four-time winner Bucko's Boy. She was 3rd on bumper debut but has been out with an injury since. She has a future over hurdles but will improve mentally and physically from this debut.

We couldn't have asked much more of You Wear It Well last season. After finishing 2nd in the highly-competitive Challow Hurdle at Newbury, she easily won the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at Sandown and then the Grade 2 mares novice at the Cheltenham Festival. Winner of a Listed race under her penalty at Wetherby last month, she was then 3rd in the Fighting Fifth at Sandown. With most of her potential races being called off recently we're having a crack at 3m. She's bred to stay and if she does, she'll have a decent chance.

Datsalrightgino had a good novice season's chasing and after a nice warm-up in the Old Roan at Aintree, he proved himself a proper staying chaser when winning the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury early last month. He's up 11lb for that and this Grade 2  level weights contest has been the target ever since. He's unexposed over this sort of trip and should run well but needs to show he is up to this calibre of race.

Ga Law had a long time off the track after his excellent novice chase season but bounced back in great style last winter, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup over this CD and then would probably have won the Skybet Chase at Doncaster bar falling at the final fence. He has struggled slightly since then but showed in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury that the spark is still there. He finished 7th to stablemate Datsalrightgino but didn't quite stay. Back to 2m4f on a track he likes and on drying ground, he has to be a factor but it is seriously competitive.

Farceur Du Large won over hurdles but it was only when he was sent over fences that he really began to excel. He won a novice chase at Fairyhouse over 2m5f, then a competitive Class 2 handicap off a mark of 130 after which he was put up to 136. He has struggled since but has been highly tried, in the Irish Grand National, the Midlands Grand National and the Galway Plate. Now down to 130, he meets the criteria for the Grand Military Gold Cup. He makes his debut for us here in a race that I hold a great affection for from my riding days and hopefully, he can put up a bold show.

Jack Sprat has been placed in bumpers and over hurdles, but he has been quite backward and we've given him plenty of time. Earlier this winter he won in the manner of a horse that had just begun his progressive journey. I think we can excuse his creditable 2nd in deep mud at Uttoxeter. He's been nudged up 2lb for that, but it may not stop his upward momentum.

Torneo was a useful performer on the flat in France, winning a maiden at Pau over 1m2f and then finishing 2nd in three consecutive races at 1m4f. He looks the type that could develop into a smart hurdler and ran well when 2nd on stable and hurdles debut. He followed that with a good 3rd in a classy juveniles race at Kempton over Christmas. This looks a much weaker race and he should have every chance of getting his head in front.

Jack Sprat has been placed in bumpers and over hurdles, but he has been quite backward and we've given him plenty of time. Earlier this winter he won in the manner of a horse that had just begun his progressive journey. I think we can excuse his creditable 2nd in deep mud at Uttoxeter. He's been nudged up 2lb for that, but it may not stop his upward momentum today.

Wendigo is from a four-time winning mare and is half-brother to talented black-type performer Sideralis. He won his Irish point at the 3rd attempt for Colin Bowe, a performance that earned a high rating. Joining us, he was a promising 3rd on debut before stepping up to win at Hexham. Catterick is a very different track to Hexham but he goes well at home and shouldn't be far away.

Doc McCoy won a maiden UK point-to-point on his sole run by a wide margin, then arriving with us, was placed in all three bumpers last season. A fluent jumper, he won impressively on hurdling debut then was 4th under his penalty back at Catterick last time. That race is working out well and sooner or later he should defy the penalty, hopefully today.

Double Click had three moderate runs in Irish point-to-points but is progressing nicely under Rules. Third on stable debut, he won a maiden at Wincanton and followed up on his handicap debut at Ffos Las. Disappointing twice so far this winter, he has now come down to a winnable mark, and 2m on this deep ground should suit him well. Chance.

Related to triple Gold Cup hero Best Mate, Super Survivor had a great novice hurdle season, winning twice and 2nd on his only other start. We expected him to improve for a fence and he duly won well when stepped up to 3m at Chepstow. As a horse that loves heavy ground he was limited to only three runs last season, but made a good start when 2nd on this season's comeback. We then aimed him at the Welsh Grand National, but that race came too soon in his career and now, back in calmer waters, he should find this more comfortable, albeit it's very competitive.

Ballydesmond put in a good display to win a hunter chase at Down Royal on May 1, enabling him to remain a novice over fences for the entire season. He found carrying a penalty against some top novices beyond him at Wetherby last time but he made a noise that day so we've dealt with his wind since then. Now in handicap company, he should have a better chance, but should improve from what he dos today.

Park This One arrived with us after winning an English point-to-point. He won a bumper impressively at Exeter and developed into a smart novice hurdler last season. He won twice and was fourth in his other two starts, both in Grade 2 races. He picked up a small injury then, so is making his seasonal debut after a year off, but he seems to have retained all his ability and jumps super, so we're looking forward to his chasing debut today. He will obviously improve both physically and mentally for the run, but he is an exciting horse.

Idy Wood won his bumper on debut at Newbury and having shown us he jumps well, confirmed it when winning on hurdles debut at Fontwell before running a blinder when 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. He then just failed to defy the penalty last time. He sustained a foot injury that day, although in fairness the winner has gone on since then. We're upping him in trip today and think he should take all the beating.

It took a while for Milldam to get his head in front after multiple career places but he finally managed it at Huntingdon late last season. We were hopeful he would go on from there and although he disappointed on his seasonal return, he clearly appreciated dropping back to 2m on a deep surface last time and won nicely. He's up 7lb for that but we think he can manage it and also a slight increase back up in trip too.

Up For Parol has become a Lanzarote Hurdle regular. Two years ago he was a respectable 6th in this 100k race off 133; last year he was 3rd off 129 and now can run off 126. He had a nice blowout for today when runner-up after making the running in a three-horse affair at Fontwell. This is much more his scene and has been the plan for some time.

Wining pointer Colonel Harry won twice over hurdles last season; was placed in the Grade 1 Tolworth and also 2nd in a Grade 2. He jumps fences well and won on chase debut at Chepstow. He followed that with 2nd in the Henry VIII last time, staying on strongly up the hill. In a tight little race, he is the highest rated in the field and we have to be very optimistic.

As the name suggests, Ellies Sister is a Court Cave half-sister to prolific winner Ellie Mac. She was 5th on her debut in a bumper at Newton Abbot but appreciated the softer surface when 2nd at Hereford during last winter. She was badly in need of the experience when last of 5 on hurdles debut at Market Rasen in May, again not letting herself down on the faster ground. She returns after her break on a deeper surface and should run a much better race today albeit as a big outsider in a deep race.

Non-runner

The well-connected Phone Home was placed in two Junior NH Development hurdles last season when still backward and immature. She improved for the summer and was 2nd on seasonal return. Then she was a bit too free last time and didn't get home but she should appreciate this drop in trip. The addition of the tongue-tie could help her too, so she can be there or thereabouts once again.

Schematic was in training last season but the Schiaparelli gelding was too big and backward to get to the track. He's a lovely type but a future chaser and as his Chepstow debut in October showed, he needs all the time and patience we can give him.

Starevitch is related to top-class jumper Douvan on the dam's side. He won an Irish point on debut and on arriving in the UK was 3rd in a bumper at Huntingdon. He then missed a season and has taken a while to come back to himself, but is potentially nicely handicapped. Young Will takes off 10lb to give us further encouragement.

French Kiss ran 11 times on the flat in France and looks to have plenty of ability having won four times from between 1m2f and 1m6f. She is by Zarak, who is already producing high-class horses including 145-rated Zarak The Brave, and is from a good female flat-race family. If she can take to jumping first time out then she'll have every chance here.

Bellas Bridge did well to win her Irish point from a big field last year and ran a promising first race when 3rd on bumper debut at Hereford in October. She has had her palate fired since and should appreciate this softer ground too. She should be capable of winning a race of this nature.

Midnight Centurion was placed in bumpers and won a novice hurdle but always looked to be a horse that would improve for a fence. He was a very promising 2nd on chase debut but picked up an injury. He has been off for 400 days and so will improve for the run, but he is in good shape, has done plenty of work, and should  go well here.

This nicely-bred mare was an unlucky 3rd first time on a racecourse, then held every chance at Stratford when ducking the wrong side of a marker. On her final bumper start almost a year ago she picked up an injury. She jumps nicely and should have a future as a hurdler. She should run well on this debut but is sure to improve both physically and mentally from it.

La Marquise is by a young sire Beaumec De Hoelle (by Martaline) who was a Grade 1 jumps winner. She is out of a winning Pivotal mare who so far has produced two winners from two runners, one Mister Policeman, is pretty smart. Our filly did plenty in pre-training last year then looked well above average when winning her debut bumper at Stratford in November, That was on soft going so I think she can handle the forecast bad ground here. She looks smart and I am sure she has a very bright future.

San Frandisco put in a blistering performance to win a 4yo Irish point at Monksgrange and looks as though he could develop into a seriously smart individual. By Jukebox Jury, a producer of smart horses both on the flat and over jumps, he ran a lovely race when 2nd on debut for us in a bumper at Chepstow. He should have improved for the experience and this looks an ideal opportunity for him to go one better.

Passing Well was 4th in the Challow Hurdle on this card last year but wasn't at his best later on. That helped his mark for when he went chasing - always the intention as he has the potential to make up into a really smart horse over fences. A fine runner-up on chase debut at Ascot, he improved on that, winning over 2m4f last time. He should appreciate going further here and can continue his progress despite this being a deeper race. He shouldn't be far away.

Obsessed With You came through the NH junior development series last season, winning two and progressing into places in Listed and Grade 3 novice races. We think she has the scope to progress further this season but she disappointed when unable to settle in a big field at Taunton on her comeback. She ran better when 2nd in a smaller field last time, beaten only by a very well-handicapped rival. We seem to be up against it in this Listed contest, but with only six runners, we hope she can finish in the first three and nick some more valuable black type which is the aim.

Super Survivor is related to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate and although he had a great novice hurdle season, winning two out of three and 2nd in the other, we always had him marked down as a chaser. He duly improved for a fence and since winning over 3m at Chepstow on 2nd appearance this race has always been the target. He ran very well on seasonal debut when 2nd to our smart horse Git Maker at Lingfield and that will have put him straight for today. This is a tough ask, but there's scope off his handicap mark and we have to be hopeful.

Torneo was useful on the flat in France, winning his maiden over 1m2f at Pau and then finishing 2nd three times in a row over 1m4f, earning a mark of 84. He looks the type to develop into a useful hurdler and despite doing plenty wrong, was a creditable 2nd on hurdling debut. He will improve a ton for that and should build on the effort here. The favourite is being talked of as a future champion but we like our chap who is over-priced, I think, at 14/1.

Dusky Days won his bumper on debut well enough but that was more than two years ago and since then switched to hurdles has finished placed numerous times without getting his head in front. He seemed to show improved form when a close 3rd on debut over fences last time and the step up in trip today can help him. If he puts his best foot forward then he should have a decent chance again here.

Git Maker had a great first season over hurdles winning three of his four starts and then two of four transferred to fences last term. He now looks tailor-made for some of the top-class staying chases and won nicely on his return to action at Lingfield last month, setting him up nicely for this valuable prize. Obviously, this is competitive, but Git has won six of nine career starts and deserves a crack at a big one!

Kitesurfer won a juvenile hurdle in France on his racecourse debut and was 4th transferred to now-retired Harry Whittington on his UK debut. He arrived here in the summer and works and schools great. He disappointed on stable debut so we stepped him up in trip and with the help of a tongue-tie, ran an improved race. Looking for more improvement here.

Regarde was placed in two of his four starts over hurdles last season but is a strapping individual and built for fences so it was no surprise to us when he won well on his handicap chase debut in the autumn. Up 6lb for that, he followed up nicely over an inadequate trip, for which the handicapper gave him another 12lb, which I think was harsh. That said, he is in the form of his life, will appreciate going back up in distance and will enjoy the track and ground. Expecting him to run another good race.

Moderate in three Irish points before joining us, Double Click is progressing nicely under Rules now. He was 3rd on stable debut but stepped forward from that when winning a maiden hurdle at Wincanton in the spring. He won again on handicap debut at Ffos Las before disappointing last time when the ground was too quick. I'd be hopeful he can resume his progress back on soft ground and up in trip.

Jack Sprat has been quite backward but still managed places both in bumpers and novice hurdles. He is improving though and won earlier this winter in the manner of a a horse who has just started his progressive journey. He found Wincanton a bit sharp on his last run, but should appreciate this ground and track. Big chance of going in again.

Roger Pol was 2nd in an Irish point before joining us and won two bumpers last season. He showed he jumps well before making his debut over hurdles and improved from first run to second, winning nicely last time out. He is up in trip on this handicap debut and could be quite well treated, but then again so might a few of these. It looks an open contest but Will is taking a useful 10lb off.

Non-runner

Soldier Of Destiny won a  couple of chases two seasons ago. He fell when in with every chance in a decent handicap at Wetherby last season, and struggled a bit after that. We've given him time to recover and he looks the horse of old now. Switched to hurdles, he should be capable of winning a race of this nature before going back over fences.

A gutsy hurdles winner at Taunton last season, Spitfire Girl had been schooling and working well before her return to action in a Ffos Las chase and was disqualified for causing interference after crossing the line in front. She ran a bit flat when 3rd next time but needed the run to qualify for this valuable final. Will is back on and can claim 10lb from her position already at the foot of the weights. In addition, we're putting on first-time blinkers in the hope of reproducing the Ffos Lad run.

Placed several times last season, Milldam finally got his head in front in clear-cut style at Huntingdon. He disappointed on his seasonal reappearance but perhaps didn't quite stay 2m5f. Back to 2m here, we hope he can run a nice race.

Colonel Harry is a winning pointer who won twice over hurdles last season and placed in the Grade 1 Tolworth and also 2nd in a Grade 2. He jumps fences very well and made a winning debut over fences at Chepstow. This race has been the plan since and he is in tip-top form. This is a tight race and on the figures, he needs to improve again. Hopefully, he can and will prove up to this task.

You Wear It Well won twice at Graded level last season including in the Mares Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. She improved again to win a Listed hurdle on her return at Wetherby carrying a penalty last month. Now with Constitution Hill an absentee, she should run her race and definitely hold a chance.

A Pro Po is well connected, out of a half-sister to smart Promalee and Michael Mor, and from the family of Gold Cup winner Little Owl. Additionally, he is a half-brother to six-time winner Secrete Stream and to Donnie Azoff, twice a winner for us. He is a nice type, a future staying chaser. He should run a nice race here on his racecourse debut but will improve mentally and physically for the experience.

Obsessedwithyou won a couple of times as a juvenile then did well going up in class to be 4th in both Listed and Grade 3 company. She has the scope to progress further this season, but while on a workable mark, disappointed on her seasonal debut, unable to settle in a messy, big-field handicap at Taunton. Now in a better race and smaller field and with the run under her belt, I think she can go very close today.

We run two in the Coral Gold Cup. Datsalrightgino developed into a high-class novice chaser last season winning at Cheltenham and later a Grade 2 at Ayr on his final start. He has strengthened up and is a proper chaser now. He will have needed his comeback run in the Old Roan where the lack of fences jumped owing to the low sun didn't help him. He is unexposed over this trip but if he does stay he will have an excellent chance of running a big race.

Ga Law had an injury-interrupted career before coming back spectacularly last season, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and he looked sure to follow up in the Skybet at Doncaster but fell at the final fence. He struggled slightly thereafter in Graded company but now back in a handicap he should step forward once again, but needs to recapture his best to figure in the business end.

The 11-year-old Goose Man has won six of 17 career starts, over distances from 2m to 3m2f, switching between hurdles and fences. He made his debut for the stable at Huntingdon recently having been off for 972 days with two injured tendons. They took a lot of work to sort out, but he won impressively that day and I hope he doesn't "bounce" here in a much better race. We want him to run well but above all come home safe again.

The nicely-bred Phone Home was 2nd in two NH junior development races last season when quite backward and immature. She improved for the summer and showed it when 2nd on seasonal return.  She should be thereabouts today.

An excellent 2nd in a very hot bumper at the Punchestown Festival early last year, Passing Well developed into a smart novice hurdler for us last season with two wins and 4th in a very hot Challow Hurdle. He starts novice chasing on a lovely mark and made a great start when runner-up in a good race at Ascot. He will have improved for that effort and also for the longer trip today. Softer ground would have been preferable but still, he has a fine chance to get his head in front.

Having been placed in a couple of bumpers Fortunate Fred has now been placed in nine of his 13 starts over obstacles yet remains a maiden. He deserves a bit of luck, surely. and hopefully, today will be the day he truly becomes Fortunate with young Will taking a handy 10lb off.

Audacious Annie is the daughter of top-class stayer Jack Hobbs from a black type mare who has produced five winners from six runners including our Cheltenham Festival heroine You Wear It Well. She was in pre-training last season and arrived here in the summer. To date, she has done everything right and we're very happy with her. Obviously, she will improve mentally and physically but we love her and hope she can follow in the footsteps of her sister.

Dusky Days won a bumper on racecourse debut and was then 4th in a Listed bumper at Ascot. He has been placed numerous times over hurdles without managing to get his head in front. Hopefully, this switch to fences might see him progress this season.

Weem is out of a half-sister to a Group-placed mare on the flat and to useful jumps winner Glenstal Abbey. This Westerner gelding was in training last season but wasn't mentally ready to run. He has done plenty of work this autumn and looks an honest type.  He can run nicely here on racecourse debut and a place finish would be encouraging.

Kitesurfer won a juvenile hurdle on his racecourse debut in France, then was 4th under a penalty for Harry Whittington. He arrived here in the summer after Harry retired and he works well and schools great. He disappointed on stable debut so we're stepping him up in trip here and running on softer ground with a first-time tongue-tie. Hoping for some improvement and for him to show on the track what we see at home.

San Frandisco put in a blistering performance to win his 4yo point at Monksgrange and looks a horse that could develop into a smart performer. He is by Jukebox Jury, who produces high-class horses on the flat as well as over jumps - like Group 1 winner Princess Zoe. He is welll-related on the dam's side too, so I hope he can put in a decent performance on this Rules debut.

Doc McCoy was a most impressive winner of his maiden point on debut in Ireland, then on joining us, was placed in all three bumpers. A good jumper, he won impressively on seasonal and hurdles debut and while this looks a slightly deeper race to try to carry the penalty, he shouldn't be far away.

Out of a Teolfilo sister to Group winner Al Wathna, Torneo has shown himself to be tough, with consistent form on the flat in France. He never finished out of the first three there, winning over 1m2f at Pau, earning a handicap rating of 84. He has been second three times since at 1m4f so looks tailor-made to make a high-class juvenile hurdler for the coming season. This looks the right race for his hurdling debut and I hope he can go very well.

Jack Sprat was placed in bumpers and over hurdles despite being quite backward. Now he is starting to improve and won last time in the manner of a horse just beginning his progressive journey. He's up 4lb for that but can run well again, albeit in a more competitive race.

Well-connected Double Click is from the female family of Best Mate and a brother to our good horse College Oak. He had three moderate runs in Irish points but since arriving here has been progressing under Rules.  He was 3rd on debut but stepped forward when winning a maiden hurdle, dropped back to this trip. He won again on his handicap debut at Ffos Las but disappointed last time when he found the ground too quick. I hope he can resume progress on softer ground on the back of a summer break.

Another short-priced favourite, Wendigo won his point at Taylorstown for ace producer Colin Bowe, earning a high point-to-point rating. He ran well to be 3rd on stable and bumper debut at Worcester last month and any improvement on that performance should enable him to win this four-horse affair if, as with Idy Wood, he handles the soft ground and undulating track.

We send two short-priced favourites here today. Idy Wood was placed in two Irish point-to-points and won on his bumper and stable debut at Newbury. A good jumper of hurdles, he won on debut at Fontwell before running a blinder to be 3rd in a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham. He now drops down in class under a penalty. If he handles the track and soft ground this looks a golden opportunity.

Git Maker had a great first season over hurdles winning three of his four starts.  Switched to fences, he won two of four and he looks tailor-made for some of the top staying chases this winter. This Intermediate race is the ideal stepping stone out of novice company and should have a decent chase of a big run here.

Closely related to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate, Super Survivor has a great first season with us, winning twice and was 2nd on his only other start. Last winter being so dry didn't help this soft-ground horse and he managed only three runs. Lacking in experience, he too should be helped by this Intermediate Chase. Hopefully, it should set him up nicely for the Welsh Grand National.

Francina is a well-connected daughter of Sea The Moon. She was very green and backward when runner-up on her debut in another of these Junior NH development races. She should be sharper in what seems a very poor contest.

Spitfire Girl was 2nd in three bumpers and after some novice hurdle runs, was only narrowly beaten on handicap debut. She did get her head in front then with a gutsy display at Taunton. She had been working nicely and schooling well prior to "winning" on her chase debut only to lose the race in the stewards' room. She was a bit flat when 3rd on her next start, so we've freshened her up and she should have every chance of being competitive today.

After doing well earlier in his career, winning a bumper, a novice hurdle, and then a competitive handicap at Ascot last year, College Oak has had a long time off through injury. He made his comeback in the summer at Worcester but hasn't shown a great deal since his return. Form is temporary; class is permanent so he should rediscover some form soon, but he is a lovely horse for the young lads in the yard to learn on.

Up For Parol won a couple of hurdle races in his novice season, a handicap hurdle at Haydock, the following campaign, and was an excellent 3rd in the Lanzarote at Kempton on his comeback run at Kempton this January. Things didn't go right for him after that but back from a break here, he should run well in this three-horse race although 2m1f is a bit short for him these days.

Obsessedwithyou bolted up on her racecourse debut in a Junior NH development race and won again under a penalty. In between we raised her in class and she was 4th at both Listed and Grade 3 level. She has the scope to progress further this season and is off a workable mark. She's in top shape and can go well here.

Regarde is from a top French jumps family and won an Irish point as a five-year-old. He was promising in a limited novice hurdle campaign but is built for fences and it was no surprise to us when he won well on his chase debut in a novice handicap at this track last month. Up 6lb for that he is capable of another win around here and dropping back in trip shouldn't inconvenience him.

Non-runner

The 11-year-old Goose Man has won five of his 16 career starts from 2m to 3m2f over hurdles and fences. He returns after 962 days off the track following two injured tendons. It's taken a bit of nursing to get him back and he certainly retains a good level of ability. He has the form to run well here, but the main hope is that he comes back safe and sound.

Susie Styler is a half-sister to the Grade 2 winning novice chaser Threeunderthroughfive and the Grade 2 winner Benruben. This Milan mare won an Irish point at Quakerstiown for Sam Curling. She's a big strong mare who should relish these conditions. She can run well on her bumper debut.

Ballydesmond is by champion sire Presenting from a smart female jumping family. He put in a blistering performance to win a hunter chase at Down Royal on May 1 which means he can remain a novice for the whole of this season. He starts here for us under a penalty in a really competitive race and will be doing well to serve it up to these rivals, but sometimes fortune favours the brave.

Non-runner

Colonel Harry took his winning point-to-point form to a new level in novice hurdles last season, winning twice, finishing 2nd in a Grade 2, and also placed in the Grade 1 Tolworth. He jumps fences well and should have a productive novice campaign. This looks an ideal starting point and thankfully Chepstow passed its inspection this morning.

Non-runner

Harry's Hottie came from the Irish pointing scene and won a staying handicap hurdle at the start of last season for Harry Whittington. She has the size and scope to improve for a fence and ran well when 4th on chase/stable debut, despite making a mistake at halfway which put her on the back foot. She will improve for this step up in trip and if she finishes in the top eight she qualifies for the final of this series here in December.

Jack Sprat ran a  couple of fourth places in bumpers. He did better in his first season hurdling, with a good 2nd in a maiden two runs back. He, too, has been quite backward but will be winning races and shouldn't be too far away today.

Phone Home was placed in two Junior NH development races last season when still quite backward and immature, I have been pleased with her at home and she can run into a place here.

GA Law had a great first chase season as a novice, winning three times including a Grade 2 at Wincanton and was placed in another two Graded novice chases. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury which prevented him from running at Aintree but bounced back brilliantly last season, winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. I'm certain he would have then won the SkyBet Chase at Doncaster but he fell when leading over the final fence before running a career-best 5th in the Ryanair. I thought I'd start him out over hurdles, but if he runs well here, the staying hurdle route might open up for him. He is in good form and he should run nicely here despite its being a good renewal.

Having previously won a bumper, You Wear It Well developed into a top-class novice hurdler last season. She won the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice at Sandown and followed up in another Grade 2, the Mares' Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. Those wins entail a penalty here but she is in top order for this return and should run well.

Passing Well developed into a smart hurdler last season, winning two novices and then finishing 4th in a Challow Hurdle that has been advertised many times since. He wasn't at his best later in the season but that means he starts novice handicap chasing on a lovely mark. He jumps super and has the potential to make up into a smart chaser this season. This is a tough race for his debut and perhaps on the short side but he's in great form and should run well.

La Marquise is by a young sire Beaumec de Houelle. By Martaline, he was a Grade 1 winner over jumps, wjhile her dam is by Pivotal and has produced two winners from two runners, one being the very smart Mister Policeman. She did plenty in pre-training last season and we like what we've seen of her but we've not revved her up for today. She looks smart and I'm sure she has a very bright future.

Donnie Azoff did well last season, returned to hurdles, winning a class 3 novice event. We tried him back over fences last time when he didn't jump well, so he's back over the smaller obstacles. He's in a selling hurdle as he will be tricky to place off his mark. He does carry a penalty here but he has less to prove than most in the line-up. He deserves to be favourite and we hope he can justify it.

Non-runner - meeting abandoned after first race.

Roger Pol, 2nd in an Irish point-to-point, won two bumpers after joining us last season. He jumps well and was a good 2nd on his hurdles debut, just bumping into one who got first run and he couldn't peg him back. He'll be sharper here and will take all the beating if handling this quirky track.

Schematic, by Schiaparelli out of a half-sister to the talented pair Close Touch and Open Hearted, was in training last season but just too backward to get to the track. He's a lovely, big type but a future chaser so this is just a starting point for him.

Doc McCoy was a deeply impressive winner of a maiden point-to-point on his debut and was placed in all three bumpers last season. He jumps well and should be capable of running well here on his hurdling debut.

Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, Fortunate Fred has now been in the frame in ten of his 12 races over obstacles but is still a maiden. He deserves a bit of luck and hopefully, today is the day he will truly become Fortunate!

Datsalrightgino developed into a high-class novice chaser last season, winning twice including in a Grade 2 on final start at Ayr. He has strengthened up over the summer and is a proper chaser now. He has to step forward again now he's in open company but there's every reason to believe he can. This looks a deep race and we wouldn't want a bog, so we hope the bulk of the rain stays away.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train and early in his career, won a bumper, a maiden hurdle and two handicap hurdles. Last season, his form took a dip but after a wind-op, he resumed winning ways with an authoritative success at Bangor and followed up at Stratford. Up 4lb for that, he was 2nd in a valuable handicap at Kelso last time. In the form of his life, we are hopeful of a big run in another very good race.

Idy Rock is from a good female family and by Coastal Path. After places in two Irish points, he won his bumper debut at Newbury. A good jumper of hurdles, he won well at Fontwell first time and is therefore unbeaten under Rules. He deserves a crack at a good race here and though this is obviously a warm event, he is unexposed and could run into a place.

Passing Well was a smart novice hurdler last season, winning twice, but it was his 4th in the Challow Hurdle that showed his level of ability. He's always promised to be a far better chaser than hurdler and is a proper jumper. We were looking forward to this chase debut and if there's enough give in the ground he should run very well. If it's not soft enough we might not run.

The good-looking Bellas Bridge won her one Irish point-to-point battling bravely until getting well on top at the finish. The first two were 18 lengths clear of the long-time leader at the line. She works well at home and should be capable of winning a bumper of this nature.

For a daughter of No Nay Never, Lady Valentine is unusual in that her best flat-race form is at 1m6f on soft ground. She did manage one second place over jumps last season but has run some poor races too. She needs to step forward and prove she stays two miles over hurdles.

It was a shame that Spitfire Girl lost the race she "won" last week at Taunton in the stewards' room as she had battled hard to keep her head in front. If this hasn't come too soon, off the same mark she has an obvious chance.

Francina is a 3yo Sea The Moon full-sister to the Group 3 Manion Cup (Australia) winner Favorite Moon who also won twice over hurdles and half-sister to smart stayer Fun Mac. She is out of a Montjeu mare that has produced five winners from seven runners. She jumps neatly and should have a chance in this poor race.

College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot. He won again last summer (2022) but then was off through injury until making a comeback at Worcester this summer. He is a lovely horse for young lads to learn on and Johnny Rees has his second ride for us here. I hope they enjoy themselves.

Non-runner

Milldam, by top French jumps sire Martaline from a smart female family, was placed in all his three hurdles starts in France, then in midfield on UK debut in last year's Boodles Hurdle at Cheltenham. He was placed several times last season before getting his head in front at Huntingdon in the spring. Back from his break, there should be more to come from him this term, especially over this sort of trip.

Non-runner - meeting abandoned

Kitesurfer is by a talented young French sire from a winning female Aga Khan family. He won a juvenile hurdle on debut in France and was then 4th under a penalty for Harry Whittington. He arrived with us this summer and looks a smart type. His work has been impressive and he schools well. This looks a nice starting point for him and we'll see if he can translate his homework to the track.

Sea The Clouds won a bumper and a novice hurdle last summer and appreciated going up in trip this time round, winning his last two. Up another 4lb today, he needs to keep improving to win this on another career-high mark, but he's an improving young horse and that's still a possibility.

No Anxiety was placed in a bumper and over hurdles but really came into his own when we sent him over fences, winning twice. Off with an injury last season, he needed his comeback run over hurdles and now returns to fences over a trip that should suit. He is potentially very well handicapped on old form so is not without a chance but he needs to bounce back to life.

Non-runner

Two runners in this mares' conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle and the daughter of Walk In The Park, Spitfire Girl may prove to be our number one. She was 2nd in three bumpers and ended last season with a win in a 3m handicap hurdle on good to soft ground at Taunton. Up only 3lb for that, she's been working nicely and schooling well and has more to give.

Harry's Hottie is a half-sister to two winners out of a French chase winner. This mare came from the Irish pointing scene and won a staying handicap hurdle early last season for Harry Whittington. She was quite consistent for the rest of that campaign and now starts for us today. She has the size and scope to improve for a fence and she should be capable of winning a race of this calibre.

Non-runner

Lady Valentine has a proper flat race pedigree, being by top sire No Nay Never from a sprinting female family, but her best form on the level was at 1m6f on soft ground. She did finish 2nd in one hurdle race last season and should improve now as she has had a wind-op in the interim. This is a trappy contest but she shouldn't be too far away.

After a couple of promising runs in the care of top Irish point-to-point trainer Colin Bowe, Wendigo was well supported when winning last time out at Taylorstown in the spring. That authoritative performance earned him a high pointing rating and he goes well at home and looks capable of winning a bumper before progressing over hurdles. There are a couple of unexposed types in here so it's a tricky race to weigh up but he should run a nice race.

Regarde is by Kapgarde and is from the family of The New One on his female side. After winning an Irish point as a  5yo he was 4th in two of his four novice hurdle starts last season. He's a strapping individual built for jumping fences and should be able to progress in novice handicap chases this term. This doesn't look a strong race so if he handles the forecast quicker ground, he should have every chance.

Jack Sprat is by Walk In The Park out of a three-time winning mare who was placed in Graded company. and is a sister to two black type performers. Jack was placed in bumpers and over hurdles. He has been quite backward but is improving and will win races. He shouldn't be too far away here.

Non-runner

Idy Wood is a son of Coastal Path from a smart French family and is brother to a dual winner. He was placed in his two Irish point-to-points and then won on Rules debut in a bumper at Newbury having joined us. He jumps well and we're looking forward to seeing him novice hurdling this season. This looks a deep race, on paper at least, but he should be able to hold his own and be competitive.

Passing Well was an excellent 2nd in a seriously competitive bumper at the Punchestown Festival last year before joining us. He developed into a smart novice hurdler, winning twice, with the highlight being his 4th in the Grade I Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He has always promised to be a much better chaser and is a proper jumper. This is tough enough for a chasing debut but as long as there's enough give in the ground he should go well. If it's not soft enough then we might not run.

Donnie Azoff was placed in all his three bumpers but then missed a season through injury. He won his maiden hurdle last term and was placed in his first three starts over fences. He then appreciated going back over hurdles and won a Class 3 novice under a penalty last time out. Now back over fences, we're going up markedly in trip in order to give him more time at his fences and that should bring about some improvement. Hopeful.

Fortunate Fred has been anything but that so far in his career. Placed in a couple of bumpers, he has continued to find one or two too good every time and has been placed in eight of ten starts over obstacles. Hopefully, this step up in trip on easier ground might propel him to a first, long-overdue success.

Roger Pol was 2nd in an Irish point-to-point before arriving with us and then won two bumpers. He jumps well and is an exciting horse to go novice hurdling with this season. This looks quite a competitive race but he should have every chance of opening his hurdles account at the first time of asking.

After some good placed efforts last season, Sea The Clouds took a while to get back in form this summer but followed a close second at Worcester early in August with a battling win there at the end of the month. Up 4lb for that he needs to improve off a career-high mark but the step up to 3m1f might unlock some more progress. Hopeful.

Bucko's Boy's form took a dip last season but after a recent wind operation, he resumed winning ways with an authoritative victory at Bangor and followed up at Stratford. Up 4lb here in a tougher race, he is in the form of his life so we are hopeful of another good run.

Walking It Off is out of a Grade 2 winning mare who has produced two winners. This daughter of Walk in The Park was in training last season but wasn't physically ready to run. She has strengthened up over the summer but is still quite weak and immature. We will learn more about her on this debut.

Climbing is a lovely horse, owned by Queen Camilla and Sir Chips Keswick. He was badly in need of his first career run but improved for a flight of hurdles to be a promising 2nd on debut at Stratford. He ran with the choke out last time and got tired. That run is easily forgiven and a repetition of his hurdles debut should see him go close, in a race that lacks much depth bar the favourite.

Coastal Sun won a claiming hurdle last season. She was placed a few times this summer and showed she is capable of winning a small race this autumn and this doesn't look too competitive. Will's 10lb claim will be very handy here too.

College Oak did well over hurdles last year, winning one and going close on another occasion. He then suffered an injury and was off for almost a year, clearly needing his comeback run at Worcester last month. He will be fitter for that and switches to fences. He did have a three-race stint chasing earlier in his career which wasn't successful, but this isn't a strong race and with Will taking off 10lb he has to have a chance.

Guinness Affair made a great start to his career, winning a bumper and a couple of novice hurdles, before picking up an injury. He has bounced back in great style this summer, winning three chases. Up 8lb from his latest success, he should run well again today.

Donnie Azoff runs in a three-runner race here but one which surely concerns only two. He has done well returning in novice hurdles after a spell chasing last season where he was placed in all three starts. He won first time back and was then 2nd under a penalty. He should run his race again, dropped in trip, but the in-form favourite might be hard to beat.

Cairo King is a nicely-bred young horse who was too keen on his bumper debut for another yard. He seems to have grown up and settled and therefore should be able to improve from that run. He works well and if he does settle, he should run a nice race here.

Bucko's Boy's form took a dip last season but after a recent wind operation, he resumed winning ways with an authoritative victory at Bangor last time out. The form of that race has worked out well and he can improve again for this longer trip.

Beholden won two novice hurdles in summer/autumn 2021, but picked up an injury the following spring and has been off games for more than a year. He appears to have retained all his old ability but will undoubtedly improve for this comeback run. It's great to have him back on the track again.

Sea The Clouds won a bumper and then followed up with a debut win over hurdles late last summer. He has been placed in four of his next five starts and appreciated going up to 2m4f last time when narrowly denied by a horse that has won again since, Up 3lb here, he needs to improve again, but still only a young horse, he has every chance today.

Arbennig started chasing last summer off a nice handicap mark and took advantage to win nicely. He was a decent 3rd on reappearance under our 10lb claimer before winning on rain-softened ground at Uttoxeter. A faller next time out, he bounced back to win well despite being 7lb higher. He's up another 6lb today but he's in the form of his life and if handling this unique track he should run well again.

Non-runner

Fortunate Fred is from a good French family and half-brother to 130-rated Darling Maltaix. Placed in a couple of bumpers, he has since been in the first three in seven of ten races over hurdles, having fallen first time, yet is still a maiden. He deserves a bit of luck now and hopefully, this step up in trip on handicap debut will help him gain that elusive first win.

Climbing, a half-brother to a couple of decent winners, was bred by the late Queen and inherited by Queen Camilla, who owns the gelding in partnership with Chips Keswick. He badly needed the experience in his bumper but as we had expected, improved greatly for a flight of hurdles and was a good 2nd on jumps debut last month at Stratford. If he can build on that he should be capable of going close in a race like this.

French-bred 5yo mare Coastal Sun won a claiming hurdle last season for previous connections. She has been placed a couple of times since joining us and her 3rd at Stratford last month suggested she might win another small race. Hopefully, if things fall right, this might be it 

Teeceethree won a bumper at Warwick last autumn and was 2nd twice over hurdles earlier this summer before failing to stay 3m last time. She starts out in handicaps off a workable mark and should run well well over this shorter trip.

No Anxiety was placed in a bumper and over hurdles but really came to himself when we sent him over fences, winning twice. He has been off the track for almost 600 days so is bound to improve for the run. Still qualified for novice hurdles, he should be up to winning a race of this nature in the autumn.

After a badly interrupted start to his career, Guinness Affair has been doing much better and after needing his comeback following a 600-day absence, he stripped fitter when bolting up in a bad race at Hexham. He needed to be tough and determined to defy a penalty last time at Newton Abbot. Now, up 4lb, he carries a lot of weight, but is the class horse in the race who can hopefully, continue his winning run.

Bucko's Boy won his bumper and maiden hurdle and has been largely consistent since.  Placed in several decent handicaps, he deservedly got his head in front at Newton Abbot last summer. He needed his seasonal debut and wasn't beaten far last time but he was making a noise. We've done his wind since and he should be in the mix once again.

Sholokhov Cocktail wasn't beaten too far in a bumper on debut and although she isn't blessed with a huge amount of talent, she was 2nd on her hurdles debut. She should have improved for that experience and this doesn't look a strong race so chances.

Our second runner College Oak is from the family of the wonderful Best Mate. He won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot. He didn't take to fences so back over hurdles, won again last summer. Off with an injury since, he returns to give the young lads in the yard a chance.

Sea The Clouds won a bumper and then a novice hurdle on jumping debut last summer and has been placed frequently since. We are stepping him up in trip in the hope it will eke out a bit of improvement. Not without a chance if he stays and possibly the better of our two runners.

A good winner over fences last summer, Arbennig made a decent return this time in 3rd under our 10lb claimer and then won on rain-softened ground at Uttoxeter two runs back. Up 7lb for that, he fell at halfway three weeks ago but thankfully is none the worse. This doesn't look a strong race and he should run well this evening.

Donnie Azoff has had an interrupted career but won a maiden hurdle in the spring, then disappointed on handicap debut when he seemed not to handle Hexham. Switched to fences he was a creditable 2nd on debut and again next time, but his jumping wasn't the most convincing last time when he made a race-ending error at the 4th last fence. We're going back over hurdles and he carries a penalty but he has the best form on offer so if he stays the trip he should have every chance of defying it.

A claimer winner for her previous UK yard, this ex-French filly hasn't shown much since joining us. Her mark has dropped accordingly and while this looks competitive for the grade, she should have some sort of chance off bottomweight. When a race falls right for her, she'll look half decent.

Non-runner

Teeceethree is out of a four-time winning mare we trained when we started out. A 4yo, she's by Native Ruler, a brother to St Leger winner Sixties Icon. Fourth on racecourse debut, she improved on that to win a bumper and then was 2nd in her first two hurdles, improving in the second of them. She should appreciate a longer trip, although going up to 3m is a big step. It doesn't look the strongest of races, so she should have her chance.

Fortunate Fred is from a winning French jumps family. After finishing 3rd in both his bumpers, he has since been placed in five of his seven hurdles starts. He lacked fluency when we sent him chasing in the spring and appreciated going back over hurdles when gaining his 3rd career runner-up spot last time at Uttoxeter. This race doesn't look the strongest so he should have every chance of finally getting his head in front.

Climbing was bred by the late HM The Queen and has been inherited by HM Queen Camilla are we're privileged to be training him. He's a lovely horse who goes well and has a bright future. He was badly in need of the experience on his debut in a bumper, but he seems to be getting the hang of it now. He enjoys his jumping and certainly has each-way claims at a big price today.

Arbennig was an early convert to chases, starting on a modest mark due to taking a while for the penny to drop over hurdles. He took advantage with a win early last summer but has been rather in and out since. After a wind-op and another break, he has returned with a 3rd and then 4th this season. Last time, rain-softened ground seemed to help him and he won well over this CD. Up 7lb for that he should run his race once more.

Donnie Azoff placed in all three bumpers but then picked up an injury and missed a full season. He ran second either side of another break and then won a maiden hurdle. He was disappointing on handicap debut at Hexham which he didn't seem to handle but then switched to fences and on a more conventional track, was a creditable 2nd, a position he filled last time too. Up in trip today and with rain forecast, he looks to hold a chance in this three-runner field.

Coastal Sun has a nice French jumping pedigree and she showed fair form in claiming hurdles at home. Switched to the UK she won a claimer for her previous yard and then joined us. After a modest debut, we gave her a wind op and she's done better since although last time she got to the front too soon. This looks competitive for the class, but she's on a low mark and can run into the money if all goes well.

Cornicello won a couple of handicap hurdles last autumn but didn't appreciate the rain-softened ground on seasonal return and has disappointed the last twice. He does jump fences well at home and another plus is that he is down to his last winning hurdles mark. I hope the fences will bring a change of attitude and if he stays this new, longer trip, he has the ability to win a race of this nature.

After a good start to his career winning a bumper and two novice hurdles, Guinness Affair had a 600-day interruption to his career through a tendon injury. He needed his comeback run but much fitter, he bolted up in a bad race at Hexham. He is a talented horse and looks to have retained that ability. This race is tougher, albeit a small field, and he carries a 7lb penalty but I'd like to think he can continue to progress.

Sholokhov Cocktail wasn't beaten too far in a bumper here on debut seven weeks ago and she jumps well enough to think she could run into a place here first time over hurdles. She probably isn't blessed with a huge amount of talent though.

Guinness Affair won a bumper and two novice hurdles a couple of summers ago but then picked up a tendon injury He was off the track for 600 days and needed the run last time after an interrupted preparation. He has had a clear run since and should strip a whole lot fitter. He is a talented horse that appears to have retained that ability and this three-horse affair does not look like a strong race. He should run well but is conceding a lot of weight.

Arbennig came back from a break with two similar performances in a couple of 2m handicap chases recently. A run to the same level would put him in with a chance in this modest contest off his low handicap mark.

Fortunate Fred has been placed in both his races over fences since his switch recently but also remains a maiden over hurdles. He was running well over the smaller obstacles last summer and has the experience to go very close in this maiden contest.

Teeceethree is out of a four-time winning mare we trained when we started out. By the well-connected Native River, she was a good 4th on racecourse debut, going on to win a bumper next time last autumn. A promising 2nd on hurdles debut last month, she should step forward and in what doesn't look the strongest of races, will be going there with a good chance.

SeaThe Clouids is from a good flat-race family and also has winning jumps relatives close up in his pedigree. He won a bumper, and then a novice hurdle first time before finishing 2nd the next twice, including on handicap debut. He pleased us when 4th on his seasonal comeback in what proved a decent race He should improve on that to go well in what looks a tight contest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Pisgah Pike is one of our most-loved horses and this dual novice chase winner took advantage of his lower hurdles mark to win last July's Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen. He didn't match that form in his three later runs and then after a seven-month break, needed the outing at Fontwell last time. We're looking for a better run but this trip may be inadequate for him these days.

Coastal Sun comes from a strong French family but it wasn't until she arrived in the UK that she gained her only win to date in a claimer. last November. She joined us after that but she didn't run well on debut and we gave her a wind-op before a slightly better effort last time. The form though is still short of what would be needed to win a race, even one as low-grade as this and the hope is her 10lb claiming rider can make a difference.

Cornicello built on the promise of some good runs in novice hurdles to win a couple of handicaps last autumn before going off for his winter break. He didn't appreciate the rain-softened ground or lack of hurdles at Ffos Las last time, but now he is in tip-top order and with blinkers on, might come good today at a big price.

Donnie Azoff's career has had a couple of interruptions, but we were happy he could finally win his novice hurdle at the end of the season. He was  a shade disappointing on handicap hurdle debut at Hexham last month but didn't appear to handle the track. Back on a more convential course he was a creditable 2nd on debut over fences when he wasn't helped when the low sun meant they only jumped five obstacles. If he jumps well today, he has every chance of going one better in this three-runner line-up.

Arbennig was 3rd on racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford but it took a while for the penny to drop over hurdles. We sent him chasing as soon as he had a handicap mark and he won nicely early last summer. Inconsistent since, but now back from a break and a wind operation, he was a decent 3rd under our 10lb claimer last month. A winner over the course and distance last summer, he can run another good race here.

Valamix was placed in a bumper and all three novice hurdle starts but disappointed on his handicap debut last autumn when he picked up an injury. He was like a boy in a sweet shop on his return last month. That should have taken the edge off him and he can improve stepped up in trip here. Each-way chance.

Non-runner

Pisgah Pike has been a remarkable horse for us considering he doesn't have a distinguished pedigree. Placed in a bumper, he then won two novice hurdles and was placed in a Listed at Market Rasen on his handicap debut. Then he won two novice chases and was given a lofty rating. We considered him "well in" by comparison over hurdles and he proved us right when winning the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen - the big hurdle race of the summer - last July at 22/1! He had a few runs after that but returns now after seven months off and is likely to be better for the run. What a star!

Cornicello did well in the autumn last year, picking up a couple of handicap hurdles. He didn't appreciate rain-softened ground on his seasonal debut but back on a better surface he can surely continue his progress and go close tonight.

Donnie Azoff's career was blighted by injury with one break of almost 600 days. Then, when he got going, another six-month break preceded a good 2nd this spring after which he went one better in a maiden hurdle. He was a shade disappointing in his handicap debut but didn't appear to handle Hexham. Now on a conventional track and switching to fences, I think he can continue to progress. He jumps fences well at home and if he can transfer that to the track, this small-field contest should be within his scope.

From a nice black type family, Phone Home had a run last month in a Junior Development Hurdle. She has done plenty of work since then and jumps super Very green on debut, she will improve for that and should run into a place tonight.

Climbing was bred by the late HM Queen Elizabeth and has been inherited by HM Queen Camilla, who owns him in partnership with Chips Keswick, and we feel privileged to be training him. He's a lovely horse who goes well and has a bright future. We have tinkered with his wind already, so we'd love to see him settle and run through the line today.

Sea The Clouds won a bumper at the start of his last season in September and followed that with a debut win in a novice hurdle at Newton Abbot. He's been 2nd twice since under a penalty in another novice and then first time in a handicap. on unsuitably soft ground. Fit from a break here, he should run well and looks overpriced, admittedly in a competitive race.

French-bred mare Coastal Sun has a nice pedigree so when she won a claimer for her previous connections last November, we stepped in to secure her quite cheaply. She didn't run well on stable debut but we've since given her a wind-op and that should enable her to do better here. She's no star but this is a bad race.

Teeceethree is out of a four-time winning mare that we trained when we first started. She's a 4yo by Native Ruler, the half-brother to St Leger winner Sixties Icon out of Oaks winner Love Divine. She was 4th on racecourse debut and improved on that for a comfortable success in a Warwick mares' bumper in September and has had a wind-op since that last run. She jumps well and should win a maiden hurdle over the summer. This isn't the strongest, so it could be tonight.

Ellies Sister was 5th on debut in a bumper last summer but came back from it a bit jarred up. She improved on that to be second after a break at Hereford in late January, albeit a dozen lengths behind the easy winner. She's had a few small issues since, but she jumps super and this doesn't look a strong maiden hurdle. Definitely a chance of getting in the money.

Dusky Days won a bumper first time on the track out but things haven't gone entirely to plan since. Placed in three novice hurdles, he disappointed when running in two 2m4f handicaps so we tinkered with his wind over last winter. He has been placed twice since, including last time when a decent runner-up at Stratford. He should run another sound race under top-weight tonight.

Bucko's Boy made a decent start to his career winning a bumper and maiden hurdle but while largely consistent since going into decent handicap company, he has found winning quite elusive. He deservedly got his head in front at Newton Abbot last summer and can continue to progress. He needed his recent comeback run but has improved for that. Back at 2m, on better ground and with cheek-pieces back on, he shouldn't be far away.

Non-runner

Sholokov Cocktail is from the family of smart bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia and also De Soto, 2nd in the Champion Bumper. She is a half-sister to Midnight Centurion who placed in two bumpers and has won a hurdle for us. She has done plenty of work and should be capable of running a nice race but she hasn't the best wind so hopefully that doesn't catch her out.

Non-runner

Valamix was in the money in all three of his novice hurdle runs last season but disappointed on his handicap debut late last summer. He picked up an injury that day so a line can be drawn through it. He returns after nine months off and has been going nicely at home, so he should run well. He will be winning his races before long and will improve for today's run.

Arbennig was 3rd on racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford but it took a while for the penny to drop over hurdles. Once handicapped, we sent him chasing and he won nicely last summer. He has been a little in and out since but back from another break and a wind operation, he now seems in good order. He should improve for today's run and hopefully win again later this summer.

Double Click is related on the dam side of his pedigree to Best Mate and is a full-brother to College Oak, a four-time winner for us. Moderate in his Irish points, Double Click soon showed he could win races. He was a promising 3rd on stable debut at Fontwell and stepped forward from that when winning a maiden hurdle at Wincanton, dropping him back to today's trip. He doesn't look harshly treated for this first handicap and we are hopeful he has every chance of following up.

Fortunate Fred is from a winning French female family and is half-brother to 130-rated Darling Maltaix. After being placed in a couple of bumpers he looked to be in with every chance when coming down at the last flight on hurdles debut. He finished 2nd on his next start but came back with a knee injury and was off for a while. Placed three times last summer following the layoff, he returns from his winter break and we're sending him chasing. We think he's well handicapped and although this looks a competitive race, he jumps well and should have a decent chance.

Donnie Azoff's career has been badly interrupted by injury and it was really only last summer after an absence of almost 600 days that he got into a significant level of activity. A promising return 2nd in the summer, he then had a six-month gap before another runner-up placing set him up for a first win last time at Taunton. He runs in his opening handicap tonight and hopefully, his mark of 112 might underrate him.

Up For Parol ended the 2021-2 season with a nice win at Haydock off a mark of 127. He raced only three times last term, finishing 3rd in the valuable Lanzarote at Kempton first time back but was below that level in his two subsequent runs. We've freshened him up since and now jumping fences well, he should run a big race off his mark of 128.

Milldam

The beautifully-bred Hardy Du Seuil was placed in two bumpers and won a hurdle in France before coming over. Sent novice chasing to utilise the 4yo wfa allowance, he picked up two wins and was placed 2nd in a Grade 2. Returning this season over hurdles, he won easily at Sandown in January but although not beaten far in the Imperial Cup back there last month, he was never in contention, not getting the run of the race. Next time he was a good 2nd at Wetherby and I expect he will run well tonight as long as the rain reaches Chepstow.

Spice Heaven, from a family we know well, was in pre-training in Ireland last season and arrived here in the autumn. She made an underwhelming debut in a Warwick bumper in November but she should be better than that and a wind operation carried out after the run should bring improvement. The aim tonight is the top 6 with her finishing off her race strongly.

Cornicello is the son of promising French sire Penny's Picnic who was a precocious and high-class sprint 2yo in France winning five of his seven starts at 5f and 6f. Cornicello gets his stamina from the female side of the family. He won twice on the flat and did well to win two hurdles for us in the autumn. Back from his winter break he resumes on a career high and looks the type to improve further as he matures.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare who won for us in bumpers and over hurdles. A son of Midnight Legend, he followed her example by winning a bumper and a maiden hurdle. He progressed to win a nice race last summer at Market Rasen and after a good winter break, he can continue to progress over hurdles before switching to fences. This looks an ideal starting point for the summer campaign.

Night Fever is a 6yo mare by Dylan Thomas. She won on the flat in Germany as a juvenile and joined us after being sold cheaply in the summer of 2021. She had her first runs here the following summer, being placed fourth on a couple of occasions when she still looked a bit weak at the end of her races. She has strengthened up for a winter break and hopefully can progress throughout the summer now.

Sholokhov Cocktail is out of the very smart bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia and from the family of top-class De Soto. She is a half-sister to Midnight Centurion who was placed in two bumpers and won over hurdles for us. She has done plenty of work and should be capable of running a nice race but her wind isn't the greatest and hopefully, that doesn't catch her out.

From the moment of his debut win around today's course in a bumper a month short of two years ago, Dusky Days has been an under-achiever. As a result, through this winter we tinkered with his wind and dropped him back from 2m4f and he ran well to be 4th at Huntingdon. Moving on to Ludlow, at the beginning of March, he had yet fully to mount his challenge when he ran out and crashed heavily through the wing two from home. Back to the scene of his bumper win, and, recovered fully from Ludlow, I'd like to think he can run well.

Datsalrightgino did well winning a couple over hurdles but it has been since going chasing that he has come into his own. Second on debut and then a winner at Chepstow, he stepped up for an excellent 2nd to the smart Stage Star at Cheltenham. Then after a fine 2nd in the Pendil Chase, he was a beaten favourite at the Festival. Now, though, back on better ground and in novice company, I think he can get back on track in this competitive affair.

Braveheart is from a superb jumping family. He was 2nd in a bumper last season and then runner-up, although he didn't have much luck afterwards. Switched to fences he made a good start when 3rd on his return and then won impressively at Exeter. He was disappointing on his next two runs, so we've freshened him and given him a wind-op. We like his chance back at the track where he won in the autumn.

All season we had been aiming our gorgeous Presenting mare Ebonello for the EBF mares' final; at Newbury. She looked right on course when 2nd in a decent race in the lead-up but the ground became too soft for her and she was unplaced. The better ground today and a step up in trip which should suit puts her in here with a great each-way chance.

The nicely-bred Passing Well came to us after running an excellent 2nd in a bumper at last year's Punchestown Festival. After winning his maiden hurdle impressively first time out, he was a fine 4th in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He won well at Newcastle, but then under-performed in a Grade 2 over 3m last time. Freshened up for this, and in a first-time tongue-tie he should get back on track.

We thought a lot of the nicely-bred Obsessedwithyou before her impressive winning debut in one of the new NH development juvenile hurdle races. Fourth next in a Listed against much more experienced fillies, she then finished a good second back in another of those NH development contests at Hereford. She returned to that track and this time easily defied the penalty and now contests this very hot Grade 3 handicap. I believe she's a smart filly with an awful lot of class and could be incredibly well-handicapped, but we are stepping back into open company and this looks very competitive.

Jack Sprat is by top sire Walk In The Park from a strong female family. He showed a little promise in a couple of bumpers and has improved with each run over hurdles. A big, immature baby, I'm sure he will benefit from and mature over the summer and return a better horse next season. Whatever he does today would be a bonus.

Double Click is out of a half-sister to three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate. He's a brother to College Oak who has won a bumper and three hurdles for us. He has had three moderate runs in point-to-points but shaped promisingly when 3rd on stable debut a couple of weeks ago. This isn't the strongest of maiden hurdles and he should run well in it

You Wear It Well has been asked ever-increasingly difficult assignments and has come through them all with flying colours. Her 2nd in the Challow Hurdle immediately put her up there with the best novice hurdlers in the country. She followed with a good win in the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at Sandown and then easily eclipsed that with a brilliant performance from the front in the Grade 2 mares' race at the Cheltenham Festival. Back up in trip, she receives the mares' allowance here and should have a decent chance of running another big race.

Phone Home is out of a winning mare who has produced several black-type mares. She has done plenty of work and looks super. She makes her debut here in an ordinary race and should give a good account as we think she has a bright future. She obviously will improve for the experience but I am looking forward to seeing her on the track.

Kiltealy Briggs is from the family of Grand National winner Ballabriggs. He won two novice hurdles and then when sent chasing, won twice and placed in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company also. He improved on all that when returning for this season, winning a valuable race at Market Rasen but has not had the run of things since, and consequently, his mark has dropped below his last winning mark. We've freshened him right up and this has been the plan for a while.

Non-runner

After 600 days off the track, it was at Aintree that Ga Law gave notice of what might be coming when 3rd in the Old Roan Chase. He then impressively won the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and despite being raised 8lb, was coming to win the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster when falling at the final fence. He ran his best race yet when a staying-on 5th in the Ryanair (Grade 1) at the Festival. Up in trip, he now meets Gold Cup horses, but with only six runners and good money all the way down, we hope he can pick up a sizeable chunk of it.

Non-runner

Coastal Sun is related to some nice French jumpers and achieved fair form in her home country, finishing 2nd in a claimer in the Provinces. After a moderate start for her previous UK yard, she did well to win a claimer for them in November and starts for us here. It's not the greatest of mares' handicaps and we'll be delighted if she makes the first three.

Tallow For Coal did well instantly when going over fences after a brief hurdles campaign, winning two novice handicaps. He returned in style this season in an Intermediate chase but that made working off a rating above 130 very tough. Now though, back to his last winning mark, he was 3rd down in class last time and has first-time blinkers to help him run his race today.

Non-runner

Milldam took time to live up to the early promise of three placed runs over hurdles in France. Even though the son of Martaline was 2nd and then 3rd in novices this season, we felt we hadn't found the key to him. He showed improved form fresh from a wind-op to win last time and there should be more to come. On ratings he is 3rd best here but that position would qualify for the 100k final to this series at Sandown at the end of the season which is his main target. He could look quite attractive in that race off his present mark.

Double Click is out of a winning sister to three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate. He is also full-brother to College Oak who has won a bumper and three hurdles for us. Double Click makes his Rules debut here after three moderate runs in point-to-points. He seems to have improved over the four months since we've been training him and he should win races. This isn't the strongest of maiden hurdles and he should give the favourite something to think about.

It has taken a while to arrive at where we are with Hardy Du Seuil. A dual winner in novice chases earlier in his career, he has come back hurdling after not jumping with great assurance over fences. Earlier in the season we took him to Wetherby but he seemed to find 2m3f too far but sent to Sandown in testing ground at 2m he won comfortably. He was never going fluently early on last time in the Imperial Cup at Sandown but was staying on at the finish and he should be much more comfortable down in class in a smaller field. Big chance.

Donnie Azoff was placed in all three bumpers but then picked up an injury and missed the whole of last season. He was a creditable 2nd earlier last summer returning after 600 days off but was then a tad disappointing on his subsequent run so we gave him some time to regroup. He returned reinvigorated after that break with another excellent 2nd place and this looks a suitable race for him to get his head in front if he can back that up. After his problems, he deserves to win this.

We've had this final in mind for Ebonello almost ever since she joined the stable as her dam Ravello Bay, a black-type jumps winner, was 2nd in the race as a novice. A good jumper, she capitalised on winning her bumper by landing her novice hurdle first time out at Wincanton. Disappointing over 2m against the boys, she returned to competing with her own sex and was a good 2nd to smart mare Poetic Music. Providing she copes with the soft ground, I think she is massively overpriced.

As a daugher of No Nay Never, Lady Valentine wasn't bred to stay but as some of her best flat form was over 1m6f on soft ground we thought we'd try her obver hurdles. She jumped them well at home but badly needed the experience frst time,  improving on that a good deal when beaten only 9l behind some decent horses at Wetherby. Last time she was a good 2nd and the step up in trip looks sensible on handicap debut. She'll handle the ground and must have a chance in what looks a poor race.

Non-runner

Doc McCoy is by Getaway and is bred on the same cross (out of an Oscar mare) as top-class Sporting John. He was an impressive 20-length winner of his debut Irish point-to-point in much the fastest time of four maidens on the day. Third on his hurdle debut on first start for the yard in the autumn, he filled the same position, staying on well in a better race at Southwell recently. He has the best racecourse form although it is never easy to gauge the ability of the newcomers. No doubt the market will offer the best indication of that.  

Spitfire Girl, a daughter of Walk In The Park, was 2nd in three bumpers but took a few runs to get the hang of hurdling. As a result she started handicapping on a nice mark and was just touched off, beaten a short head on debut with a long gap to the third horse. She then disappointed on deep Ffos Las ground which can be excused before running better, staying on for 4th last time out. This step up in trip looks a sensible route and she is not without a chance here if bouncing back.

Super Survivor is from the family of triple Gold Cup hero Best Mate and he came to us in the summer of 2021 having finished a close 2nd in his sole Irish point-to-point. He had a great novice hurdling season, winning twice and finishing 2nd on his only other start. He is built to be a proper staying chaser so we quickly switched him to fences this season and after a highly promising runner-up spot here, he made light of a 7lb rise with a victory at Chepstow. He loves soft ground so I'm hopeful he can run well in this valuable and competitive novice handicap.

Up For Parol won an Irish point-to-point before joining the stable and then collected a couple of novice hurdles. Last season he won a decent Haydock handicap hurdle off 127 and ran a career best when 3rd on this season's reappearance, in the £100k Lanzarote at Kempton. The ground probably wasn't soft enough when he was 7th having run well for a long way at Carlisle last time. I think he is better on a flat track and conditions should be to his liking in both regards today. He has a massive weight but I think he can run well.

The well-related You Wear It Well was 2nd on racecourse debut last season and then won a bumper next time. She won well on her first two starts over hurdles this season and then took a major step forward when 2nd in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury, form which put her right up there with the best novices in the country. Last time she easily won the Grade 2 Jane Seymour at Sandown and in coming here, she is following the same route as last year's winner of both races Love Envoi. She's in great shape and we couldn't be happier with her but in a serious race she will need a little luck in running.

Datsalrightgino did well as a novice hurdler, including at Cheltenham, but his form has gone to another level over fences. After 2nd on debut at Newton Abbot late last summer he won impressively at Chepstow before a couple of good runs over an inadequate 2m. Up to 2m4f he ran a career best in 2nd behind Stage Star in a competitive handicap here on Trials day here and was then a fine 2nd in the Pendil, 2l behind Solo at Kempton. An improving young horse, he may well run a big race today and could repay each-way support. 

Ga Law made a great start to his chasing career taking full advantage of the generous 4yo wfa allowance against his elders, winning three times including the Grade 2 Rising Stars Novice at Wincanton. Subsequently placed in the Pendil and Henry VIII, unfortunately had to take a full season off after suffering injury before Aintree 2021. This time round though, he has come back better and stronger, following 3rd in the Old Roan at Liverpool after a 600-day absence before winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November. Up 8lb for that, he came to win the Skybet Chase at Doncaster but tipped up at the last. We've given him time to recover and he's in terrific form but this is a vintage Ryanair and a finish in the top four would represent another giant step forward. 

UK point winner Soldier Of Destiny started poorly over hurdles in this yard but did much better after an early transition to fences, winning twice. He returned in the autumn with a good 5th in the Old Roan at Aintree for which he started much shorter than Ga Law, who was 3rd for us! He then fell next time and after a 2nd in a confidence boost over hurdles, he ran another disappointing race returning to fences at Doncaster. I hope he can get back on track as we switch again to the smaller obstacles.

Placed in all three hurdles starts in France. Milldam arrived here in mid-season and ran well to be in mid-field in last year's Boodles at the Festival. It was difficult then to imagine him still being eligible for a maiden hurdle after another year but despite being 2nd and 3rd in two novice events this season, we still haven't found the key to him. He choked last time and comes here fresh from a wind-op. I'd like to think he can step forward from here and start to show his true ability.

Our second runner in this, Jack Sprat started with a 4th in a bumper at Chepstow. Allowed to mature over last summer he showed improvement with another 4th place at Exeter in November. Sadly he has taken a couple of backward steps since, but he's a big, immature baby who will benefit from his forthcoming holiday. This race will serve meanwhile as a valuable step in his education.

The classy Hardy Du Seuil took the chance to win three novice chases early in his career, taking advantage of the generous wfa scale for four/five-year-olds against their elders. However as his jumping wasn't always assured we returned him to hurdles where he had a lower mark. Starting in the Welsh Champion Hurdle where the ground was too quick, he then did well to be 3rd at Wetherby over 2m4f. Dropped to 2m on heavy ground here in January he won nicely. This race has been the target ever since and the ground has come right for him. He should run a big race in this seriously competitive and valuable handicap hurdle.

Donnie Azoff showed promise in both his runs last season. We seem to have found a winnable race for him and hopefully he will be ready to run up to his best after the layoff since September.

Non-runner

Regarde is by top French jumps sire Kapgarde from the female family of The New One. A point winner at five, he was 4th in his first two hurdles and then was in mid-division at Wetherby after which we tinkered with his wind. We then gave him a confidence-boosting run at 2m but he's now back at 2m4f. Sandown is a more suitable track and from his favourable mark I'd like to think we'll start to see him run better from now on.

Tallow For Coal, who is from the family of the great Denman, won his point and was placed in all three novice hurdles but was always going to be a better chaser. He won two novice handicaps over fences last season and returned in style when winning an Intermediate chase in the style of an improving young horse. Open company off his mark of 130 proved too tough but this Grand military Gold Cup has always been on our radar and he just creeps in on the edge of the rating ceiling. He carries a 5lb penalty but has a decent chance back in calmer waters even if softer going would have been preferable..

Roger Pol was a close 2nd in his sole point-to-point and then was an impressive winner on debut in a warm Worcester bumper. Next, he didn't handle the undulations of Cheltenham but in calmer waters and on a more suitable track was 3rd under his penalty at Ffos Las. All the form horses have penalties here and he should hold a decent chance of defying his.

Colonel Harry did well in his brief pointing career and made an instant impact under Rules with a good 2nd on debut over 2m4f on good ground. He appreciated dropping in trip on softer going when bolting up next time at Sandown in November. He then ran a belter when 4th in the Tolworth Hurdle back there in January before defying his penalty at Newcastle. Up in grade again here, he renews rivalry with Nemean Lion who was two lengths and one place ahead of him in the Tolworth. Back on a left-hand track I'd like to think we can turn the tables.

The well-related Starevitch won an Irish point-to-point on debut and on arriving here was 3rd in a bumper at Huntingdon. He picked up an injury soon after and had to miss the whole of last season. Returning after 638 days off, he was a decent 5th on hurdling debut at Hereford  just before Christmas and filled the same position at Catterick. Then he found 2m inadequate at Newbury and now makes his handicap debut here and should apprecaite both the step up in trip and switching to fences. We're hopeful of a decent run.

Dusky Days won a bumper on racecourse debut and was then 4th in a Listed bumper at Ascot. He finished last season with two 2nd places over hurdles and his 3rd on seasonal debut was a similar level of form. He disappointed though in his first two starts in handicaps over 2m4f so we tinkered with his wind through the winter. Back on better ground and dropped in trip he ran a good 4th last time. This looks competitive but he should run well with improvement likely.

Phar From Milan is half-brother to Phare Isle, Changing Times and other classy individuals. We had him in pre-training last season but he was a touch weak and needed time to strengthen. He goes well enough at home to suggest he will win races and as this isn't the strongest of bumpers, he should go well here on this racecourse debut.

Although by No Nay Never, Lady Valentine's best flat-race form came at 1m6f on soft ground so we were hopeful she would get the trip when hurdling. Although she jumps well at home, she badly needed the experience first time out but improved on that to be beaten only nine lengths behind some useful horses last time and the form has worked out well. A reproduction of that should see her go close today. 

Obsessedwithyou bolted up on debut in one of these very welcome new junior NH development races at Wetherby. That confirmed our view she was a smart filly and she did very well again when 4th to more experienced rivals in a Listed juvenile at Aintree. Unable to defy her penalty in a mares' race last time, now she meets the boys and her female allowance offests the penalty in a race where her form is easily the strongest. I'm very hopeful she will take this excellent opportunity.

A son of top-class German-trained  Arc 3rd It's Gino, Datsalrightgino has progressed with sure strides through places in three bumpers, via a couple of novice hurdle wins i(one at Cheltenham) to chasing. A creditable 2nd on debut at Newton Abbot in the summer he then won impressively at Chepstow. Thereafter he found 2m inadequate but the chance to run at 2m4f brought improvement with an excellent 2nd to Stage Star in a very competitive handicap at Cheltenham last time. It's his first try going right-handed but if he handles it we're hoping for a big run in the always tough Grade 2 Pendil.

Up For Parol was succedssful in an Irish point before arriving with us and then won a couple of novice hurdles. Last season he won a decent handicap off 127 and ran a career best when 3rd in the 100k Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton off 2lb higher. Up to 131 here, he needs to progress again, but young Will takes off a handy 10lb and that should put him firmly in the picture.

Idy Wood is a 5yo gelding by Coastal Path from a smart French jumping family. He was 4th in an Irish point-to-point in the spring of last year and after a summer off was beaten by a nose in a second point in the autumn. He goes well at home and I think he has a bright futiue. This race doesn't look the strongest and if he handles the fast ground he shouldn't be too far away.

Passing Well goes for the Grade 2 Hurdle today and this gelding, who is by Coastal Path from the female family of Grand National winner Mon Mome, is definitely going the right way. He was an unlucky 2nd in the Punchestown Festival bumper before joining us and won nicely on stable and hurdles debut on his next start. He then ran 4th in the Challow Hurdle, two places behind our smart mare You Wear It Well. Down in class, he defied a penalty to win impressively last time and with today's step up in trip liable to bring improvement, we think he has every chance of stepping up successfully.

You Wear It Well was 2nd on racecourse debut last season and then won a bumper on her next start. She won on seasonal/hurdles debut and then bolted up next time out at Hexham. She then made a big step forward when runner-up to very smart  Hermes Allen in the Challow at Newbury, form which puts her right among the best novices in the country. This mares' race looks tight and competitive but I wouldn't be for swopping her!

Representing Bob wasn't beaten far in a bumper but looked green and backward in three hurdles starts. He picked up a low handicap mark as a result and we exploited it with three wins over fences and two close 2nd places. There should be more to come this season but after a couple of runner-up spots he didn't cope with a rise in class on a speed track. Back over hurdles here, he can run off 10lb lower and he is down considerably in class on a track that should suit him. Definite possibilities.

Great d'Troice is a French-bred son of Great Pretender, sire of Greanateen and Lossiemouth, from a smart female jumps family. He was in training last season but wasn't ready to run. He's a fine big horse who just needs a bit of nurturing. We're looking forward to this debut run.

Non-runner

Starevich won an Irish point-to-point on debut before running 3rd in a Huntingdon bumper on stable debut. He picked up an injury soon after and was off for 638 days before returning for a Hereford novice hurdle just before Christmas when he finished a creditable 5th. He filled the same position next time at Catterick so in what looks a hot race today, he will do well to get close to the principals. He should find his level before long.

Spitfire Girl is a daughter of Walk In The Park from a high-class female jumps family. She was 2nd in three bumpers and looked a mare with a future but took a few runs to get the hang of hurdling.That meant she started handicapping on a nice mark and was just touched off on handicap debut with a long gap back to the 3rd horse. Raised 6lb for that she disappointed last time ln deep ground at Ffos Las, which is easily forgiven. Back on better ground today I think she will be competiitive and she holds a solid each-way chance.

Dusky Days won a bumper on racecourse debut and was then 4th at Listed level at Ascot,ending last season with two 2nd places over hurdles. He ran to a similar level when 3rd on seasonal debut, but has disappointed since in two runs over 2m4f. We've operated on his wind, so now back after a break, on better ground and dropping to two miles I hope to see him run through the finish and give us something to work on.

Regarde is by top stallion Kapgarde from the family of The New One. After showing placed form in Irish points as a 4yo, Regarde won one last March before joining us from Colin Bowe. He's a strapping individual and ran okay on debut when 4th at Carlisle amd ran to a similar level at Wetherby in December. We've tinkered with his wind since and are dropping him back to 2m in order to see him finish off his race better. These brush hurdles should help too as a stepping stone to going chasing.

Ebonello is a gorgeous daughter of the champion sire Presenting out of Ravello Bay, who was 2nd in the Listed Mares' Novices Hurdle Final at Newbury. Ebonello was placed in two bumpers last season and improved on that to win a bumper on seasonal reappearance. She jumps well and won on her hurdles debut at Wincanton but disappointed a bit against the boys last time. She's back in a mares' race now, up in trip and if she finishes in the top three will qualify for the final at Newbury which is her target for the season.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs so it was no surprise when he stepped up on his hurdles form to win two novice chases and he was placed in a couple of Graded novices too last term. He improved on all those performances when winning a £50k race on reappearance at Market Rasen in the autumn and was not beaten far when 4th in a good race at Aintree in December. He ran no sort of race though at Wincanton last time so we can draw a line through that. Dropping him back to 2m is a bit of an experiment but it's a valuable race. If it doesn't work, then the handicapper might give him a pound or two and there should be another prize for him in the spring.

A real chasing type, Super Survivor did very well as a novice hurdler last term winning twice and was 2nd on his only other start. We've sent him chasing now and he did well to be 2nd at Uttoxeter on debut and improved to win over the same CD in December. He's up 5lb for that. so needs to have continued improving but that's likely as he's been so lightly-raced. He loves soft ground so I hope it doesn't dry out too much.

After being placed in a couple of bumpers, Thomas Macdonagh won three hurdles and a novice chase. Unfortunately last season was frustrating as he didn't enjoy the National fences in the Grand Sefton and it took a while to get his confidence back. Despite this he ran some fine races in defeat including being narrowly beaten on two occasions. He needed his comeback run this term but ran well last time and is finally off a mark where he can be competitive again. Down in class here, he shouldn't be far away.

Tallow For Coal is from the female family of Gold Cup winner Denman. He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before being placed in all three novice hurdles upon joining the stable. He was always going to be a better chaser though and won two novice handicaps over fences last season. He returned in style when winning an Intermediate chase in the style of an improving young horse. He found it tricky to lay up with the pace when up in class at Newbury last time and I just worry it may all happen too quickly for him again now.

Passing Well is by top-class sire Coastal Path out of a Passing Sale (sire of Grand National winner Mon Mome) mare. He was a very strong finishing runner-up in a 21-runner bumper at Punchestown last spring and on arriving at the stable, showed he jumps really well with the size and scope to be a smart prospect. Having won nicely on debut, we stepped him up to Grade 1 company and he ran well to be 4th in the Challow at Newbury. Back down in class here, I hope he too can defy his penalty.

Colonel Harry is by Shirocco, sire of multiple Grade 1 winners including champion Annie Power and Gold Cup runner-up Minella Rocco. He fell at the last with the race at his mercy on his point-to-point debut but then made amends with a spectacular success in very fast time. Joining us, he was 2nd over 2m4f on good ground but then bolted up on a softer surface at Sandown in November. Back there early in January he ran a blinder to be 4th in the Tolworth Hurdle. Now in calmer waters I hope he can defy his penalty before stepping back up in grade.

Jack Sprat is by top jumps sire Walk In The Park and from a smart female jumping family. He was backed and ridden away in the summer of 2021 and after a winter of education made his debut in a Chepstow bumper and was a promising 4th. Green and backward that day he matured over last summer and put in an improved effort to be 4th at Exeter in November. He made a backward step when we probably rode him wrongly last time. He looks to have a future but will improve for this introduction to hurdles.

As her name implies, Ellies Sister is sister to the prolific winning Ellie Mac as well as point winner Whisper In Court. We ran her in a bumper in the summer. She finished 5th but was jarred up on the quicker ground. She has done well for her break and will appreciate this softer going. Hopefully she may run into a place.

Doc McCoy is bred on the same Getaway - Oscar cross as top-class Sporting John. He was the runaway winner of a maiden point on his debut by 20 lengths, 6.5 seconds faster than any of the other three maidens on that card. He was a good 3rd on racecourse debut in the autumn and we've given him time to strengthen. He works well and should have a bright future. The race looks tight but he shouldn't be too far away.

Having started his chasing career with three wins on the bounce as a 4yo, including the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton, Ga Law went on to be placed in the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown and Grade 2 Pendil at Kempton. Aimed at that year's Aintree Festival, he picked up an injury and was then off for 600 days before making a promising comeback in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last autumn. He followed that with an emphaticc success in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November. Now up in distance and 8lb higher in the handicap it will require another big effort for him to win again but he is improving and we are very hopeful.

The nicely-bred Park This One (by Walk In The Park) arrived here after winning his English point-to-point and immediately finished 2nd before winning his bumper impressively at Exeter. He won well at Uttoxeter on his hurdles and season's debut then stepped up on that with a fine 4th in testing ground in a Grade 2 novice at Sandown. An easy winner under a penalty at Catterick soon after we believe he deserves another shot at Grade 2 company and over a suitable 3m he holds a definite each-way chance.

Legends Ryde has a great jumping pedigree. She was going along nicely in her career until Covid intervened but after a frustrating season she came back to win three last winter and was 2nd in a valuable Graduation chase at Ascot. This term began with a good 3rd in another Graduation chase then she ran well back in a handicap when top-weight over an inadequate 2m4f last time at Cheltenham. This race over the Cross-Country course is over 3m6f, a trip which should suit but she is 9lb wrong at the weights. It's a big ask but she could outrun her odds if taking to the obstacles.

Datsalrightgino had been coming along nicely in his career, last season winning two novice hurdles including at Cheltenham. He ran well to be 2nd on chasing debut at Newton Abbot in a race that has worked out well and then won very impressively next time at Chepstow. Up 9lb for that he improved again to be 3rd at the Hennessy (Coral Gold Cup) meeting at Newbury but found 2m too quick against an improving type at Doncaster last time. This step up in trip promises to suit him and if the ground isn't too bad he should hold an each-way chance in a competitive race. 

Soldier Of Destiny is a Presenting gelding from a nice female family. Beaten on debut in his Irish point by high-class Gentlemansgame, he then finished 2nd in a bumper. A lack-lustre start over hurdles prefaced his being a revelation over fences, winning novice handicaps at Ffos Las and Haydock. Fifth on his comeback in the Old Roan at Aintree, he fell on his next start, so we gave him a confidence-boosting run over hurdles when he finished 2nd. Back after a recent wind-op, blinkers on and over the minimum trip, we hope he can find some form but this does look competitive.

Lady Valentine is out of a half-sister to a Listed 7f winner and Group placed 5f winner, so this No Nay Never filly isn't bred to stay but some of her best flat form was over 1m6f on soft ground. She jumps well at home but was badly in need of the experience first time out, so I hope she can show improved form here.

By Saddler Maker, Git Maker is from a very high-class French female family. He was progressive in Irish points, winning on his final appearance in that sphere and then won three of his four starts in his first season for us. A promising 2nd on his chasing debut at Sandown on this season's return, he stepped up on that to be narrowly beaten at Kelso, then deservedly got his head in front over today's course and distance. Up only 1lb for that, he has a decent chance of winning again with a bit of luck today.

Starevitch is a half-brother to French 2m1f chase winner Laskof and to the dam of top-class chaser Douvan. He won an Irish point-to-point on debut and was 3rd in a bumper at Huntingdon but picked up an injury soon after and missed all of last season. He was off for 638 days before finishing a creditable 5th on hurdling debut at Hereford just before Christmas and will have improved for that race. He is a 3m chaser in the making so the step up in trip will help. This looks competitive but he could have an each-way chance.

Obsessedwithyou is a daughter of a little known stallion Bathyrhon from a winning Sleeping Car mare. She is full-sister to Calipsa who won a hurdle race on racecourse debut in France by ten lengths. Obsessedwithyou was in pre-training last season then fairly bolted up first time in one of these Junior NH development races at Wetherby before making the running in a Listed juvenile fillies' contest at Aintree, keeping on quite well to be fourth once headed. Back down in class but carrying a 7lb penalty in soft ground won't be easy, but she is a talented filly who will give it her all.

Up For Patrol has a nice jumps pedigree and won an Irish point-to-point before arriving with us upon which he won a couple of novice hurdles. Last season he won a decent handicap hurdle off 127 and was unlucky in last year's Lanzarote at Kempton, beaten eight lengths in sixth staying on late off a mark 4lb higher than today's after getting too far behind. He could run well again, despite this being his first run of the season.

Shady Daisy is a nicely-bred young mare who finished 3rd on her racecourse debut at Newton Abbot in May, twice finding considerable trouble and unable to recover in time to get her head  in front. A month later at Stratford she had every chance at the two furlong pole but then ducked the wrong side of a marker. She is a nice mare who deserves to win a bumper.

Legends Ryde is a beautifully-bred mare and after doing well, earning black type with a 2nd in a Listed bumper she initially struggled over hurdles. She flourished though in novice chases last season, winning three GBB races and was 2nd in a valuable Graduation chase at Ascot. She ran 3rd in another of that category on her comeback run this term and filled the same position in a Listed chase next time. Back in handicap company she was 3rd off top-weight over 2m4f at Cheltenham, a trip that was a bit short for her. This much longer test of the North Yorkshire Grand National is an unknown but she looks like she might appreciate it and if she does, she has a very decent chance.

Present Value is by Gold Well out of a Presenting dam and is half-brother to World Hurdle winner Paisley Park. He made a winning debut for us when taking this race last year off today's mark. He didn't quite repeat that form in three subsequent outings and under-performed on seasonal debut as well. He's not the easiest to predict, but hopefully the blinkers could help spark a revival.

Hardy Du Seuil was 2nd in two 3yo bumpers in France before bolting up over hurdles at Fontainebleau. We sent him novice chasing last season to utilise his wfa advantage and he won twice and was 2nd in a Grade 2. As his jumping of fences wasn't always assured, though, we thought he would appreciate going back over hurdles where he runs off a lower mark. The ground was too quick for him in the Welsh Champion Hurdle but he ran well to be 3rd last time over 2m4f at Wetherby. He should be suited to dropping back to 2m here on deep ground and he's not without a chance in a competitive race.

Colonel Harry is by Shirocco, sire of Annie Power and Gold Cup winner Minella Rocco, from a wonderful female jumping family. He fell with the race at his mercy on point-to-point debut but made amends winning his next start in a very fast time. Turning to hurdles on joining us he was 2nd on debut over 2m4f on good going but bolted up on soft ground over this course and distance in November. This race has always been the target and he has blossomed since. He's a big price and needs to step up considerably in this strong Grade 1, but I thick he can.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a half-sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs. Having been 2nd on debut in  a bumper, he won two novice hurdles and was 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Then when sent novice chasing, he excelled again, winning two and placing in two Graded chases. He improved even on those efforts when returning this term, picking up a 50k race (27k to the winner) at Market Rasen and then was not disgraced up 3lb when 4th at Aintree.  This is a race with a bit less depth and he should go well.

Villainess is out of a wonderfully-bred Listed-winning dam who has produced four winners from four runners in four bumpers. Let's hope she can follow in her siblings' footsteps by winning and hopefully picking up black type for her owner-breeder. She was a promising 2nd on her racecourse debut at Newbury in November and will have improved off the back of that. This looks the right race for her next start but there are some interesting sorts in opposition.

Roger Pol is by prolific Grade 1 producing sire Shantou out of a Monsun mare who won on both the flat and over jumps. Among several smart siblings, he is half-brother to seven-time winner Adrrastos which we used to train. Roger Pol was 2nd, beaten narrowly in his only Irish point but won impressively on bumper debut for us  in a warm race at Worcester before not handling the undulations of Cheltenham last time out. Back in calmer waters here and on a more suitable track, he should run well despite carrying his penalty.

Spitfire Girl is by Walk In The Park from a well-connected black-type winning mare. She was 2nd in three bumpers and even then looked like she had a future. It took her a few runs to get the hang of hurdling but that meant she started off on a nice mark and was just touched off in her first handicap by a short-head with a long gap back to the third horse. Up 6lb for that today, she is fresh and well and deserves to go one better here.

Non-runner

Git Maker has a great jumps pedigree - by Saddler Maker out of a mare from a lovely French family. A winner of his final Irish point-to-point, he had a fine first season over hurdles winning three of his four starts. The highlight was his final success under a double penalty at Newcastle which made it a clean sweep of wins at all UK jumps courses for team Jamie Snowden Racing. Returning over fences, he was a promising 2nd on debut at Sandown and stepped up on that to be beaten half a length last time at Kelso. Off the same mark here, this looks a golden opportunity for him.

Park This One, by Walk In The Park, is out of an unraced sister to Listed five-time winner Santia and to smart Lord Over. He came to us after winning an English point-to-point and following a 2nd on Rules debut, impressively won a bumper at Exeter. He then won first time over hurdles at Uttoxeter before running a creditable 4th in a Grade 2 last time out. Back in calmer waters here, he should be able to defy the penalty. 

You Wear It Well is a Midnight Legend daughter of a black type mare that has produced three winners from four runners. She was 2nd on her racecourse debut at Ludlow and then won a bumper on her next start. We always liked her and, switched to hurdles after showing she jumps well, she won on seasonal/hurdles debut then bolted up under a penalty at Hexham. This for her too is a huge step up in class but she is totally unexposed and could be very good. 

Passing Well is by top French sire Coastal Path from a good female family. He finished 2nd in a 21-runner bumper at the Punchestown Festival last spring, despite having problems in running and fulfilled all that promise with a debut win over hurdles for us at Uttoxeter. It was always the intention to come to the Challow after that and while it's a huge step up in class, he should run a big race.

Tallow For Coal is half-brother to two black type winners and is from the female family of Denman. He won his maiden Irish point and then was placed in all three novice hurdles. He was always going to be a better chaser though and won two novice handicaps last season. He returned in style this time, winning an Intermediate chase in the manner of an improving young horse. This will be his first step into open company and 11st12lb is a daunting weight in this fiercely competitive handicap. That said, he is still a young horse with hopefully much more to come.

Jack Sprat is by prolific jumps sire Walk In The Park out of a mare from a black type family. He was backed and ridden away last season and after a winter's education made a promising debut when 4th in his bumper at Chepstow. Green and backward that day, he improved over the summer and put in an improved display at Exeter last month. I think he has progressed again and should be placed here.

Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, Thomas Macdonagh has won three races over hurdles and a novice chase. Unfortunately, last season was a bit frustrating as he didn't take to the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton and it took him a while to get his confidence back. Despite this, he still ran some fine races including narrowly beaten in this race last year off 2lb higher. He needed his comeback run over hurdles last month but now back over fences, on deep ground at a track where he goes well, I like to think he can go close in this race again.

Lady Valentine is a filly by No Nay Never and while she isn't really bred to stay, some of her best flat runs have been at 1m6f on soft ground! She schools well at home and seems to enjoy her jumping so she should have a future in this discipline. She'll improve for the experience and it will certainly be interesting to see her on the track today.

Datsalrightgino was 2nd in three bumpers before having a fruitful novice hurdle campaign last season, winning twice including at Cheltenham. He ran well to be 2nd on chasing debut at Newton Abbot in a race that has worked out well and then won very impressively at Chepstow. Up 9lb for that, he improved again to be 3rd at the big November Newbury meeting despite finding the ground a bit too quick. Back on genuine good to soft/soft ground today he should run another big race in this competitive affair. 

Milldam is by Martaline out of a mare from a strong winning French family. He was placed in all three starts in juvenile hurdles in France, arriving here midway through last season. He was in midfield in the Boodles at the Festival in March and although he has been 2nd and then 3rd in two runs this time, I'm not sure we've quite found the key to him. But with a first-time tongue-tie, on very testing ground and off bottom-weight in a handicap, we might finally be able to unlock the undoubted potential.

Super Survivor is by the sire of Grade 1 winner The Storyteller out of a winning half-sister to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate. He was 2nd in an Irish point before joining us last summer. He had a great season's novice hurdling, winning two and finishing 2nd in the other. He is built to be a proper staying chaser so despite his lack of experience we've sent him over fences and he was an excellent 2nd on debut at Uttoxeter. He will improve for that run and should appreciate the step up in trip. Interesting.

Representing Bob is out of a winning Bob Back mare and from the family of Gold Cup winner Synchronised - suitable for a Lincolnshire National. Green and backward in his three hurdles, he started handicapping from a favourable position and exploited that last season with three wins over fences along with two close 2nd places. Still not the finished article, we didn't overrace him and there should be more to come this time. A good 2nd on his return at Uttoxeter he followed with another and hopefully he will be ready for this step up in grade when the first-time blinkers should help him. Each-way chance.

Non-runner

Pappa Rocco Coco is by Shirocco out of an unraced sister to five-time winner Coco Opera, herself dam of good winners Arctic Skipper and Charlie Longsdon's Castle Robin. He looks to have plenty of speed but was green and backward on his debut and didn't handle an all-weather surface the last day. He jumps well and should have a future but it might be further down the line.

Starevitch is a half-brother to French 2m1f chase winner Laskov and to the dam of champion Douvan. Starevitch won an Irish point-to-point on debut and was 3rd in a Huntingdon bumper. He picked up an injury soon after and missed the whole of last season. He has been off the track for 638 days so is bound to improve for today's outing but he is in great form and should run a nice race here.

Ebonello is a gorgeous daughter of champion NH sire Presenting out of Ravello Bay, a black-type winning daughter of Supreme Leader. Ravello Bay won a bumper and novice hurdle before finishing 2nd in the Listed Mares' Novice Hurdle Final at Newbury. Ebonello was placed in two bumpers last season then won one on her return and followed that with a nice win first time over hurdles at Wincanton. She runs now against the boys where her penalty is offset by her allowance. There are some smart bumper winners and a good one off the flat too, so she'll need to improve to win again. Hopefully she will!

Mollycoddled is by the beautifully-bred stallion Dartmouth out of a winning sister to Grand National runner-up Oscar Time. She was backed and ridden away through last winter with the idea of having her ready for the new Junior NH development hurdle races. She has done plenty and jumps well but is a true NH-bred filly that will improve for the experience.

Soldier Of Destiny ran 2nd to the smart Gentlemansgame in his Irish point and filled a similat position in a bumper. After a lack-lustre start over hurdles he proved a revelation over fences and won decent novice handicaps at Ffos Las and Haydock. He was an excellent fifth in the Old Roan on his return but fell next time. Back over hurdles here, we're looking for a confidence boosting run and hopefully a win.

Janworth is a daughter of Norse Dancer and is a sister to our bumper/novice hurdle winner Bucko's Boy. Janworth goes well at home and should be able to win a bumper before progressing over hurdles. but she will undoubtedly improve for the experience of her racecourse debut today.

Janworth is by Norse Dancer from a smart jumps female family and is half-sister to our smart performer Bucko's Boy. She goes well at home and should be able to win a bumper before going hurdling but she will undoubtedly improve for the racecourse experience today.

This Presenting gelding is half-brother to a couple of useful winners. Second in a bumper, Soldier Of Destiny made a lack-lustre start over hurdles but proved a revelation over fences. Winner of handicaps at Ffos Las and Haydock he ran well when 5th on comeback in the Grade 2 Old Roan Chase at Aintree. We're giving him the chance of a confidence boost back over hurdles, but this is tough enough. 

The very well-connected Legends Ryde won a bumper and was 2nd in another at Cheltenham before winning a novice hurdle. Covid then interrupted her progression before she came back later to win two novice chases. Then she won three GBB races and was second in a valuable race at Ascot. After two nice third places in strong company she is now back in a handicap where she should find life easier. She would prefer softer ground though.

Present Value is by Gold Well and is a half-brother to World Hurdle winner Paisley Park. He made a winning debut for us, taking this race last year off this mark. He didn't manage to reproduce that form in three subsequent outings but back here and fresh, we're hoping he can repeat the winning performance from 2021.

Braveheart is is by Westerner, sire of many Grade 1 winners from a prolific female family.He finished 2nd in a bumper last season and then 2nd too on hurdles debut, but didn't have much luck thereafter. I'd like to think he can progress over fences this season. He ran well enough when 3rd on seasonal debut but he stepped up a gear on that, jumping fluently to win impressively at Exeter. Disappointing when never in a rhythm at Ludlow last time, now he has his winning jockey back, a stiffer track and smaller field, another win awaits if he can reproduce the Exeter performance. 

Spitfire Girl is by all-conquering Walk In The Park out of a black-type winning mare who is herself very well connected. Spitfire Girl was 2nd in three bumpers and looks like she has a future. She was pretty green on seasonal/hurdling debut and after a good fourth next time, found the company a little too competitive. The positive from that is she starts handicapping off a nice mark and shouldn't be too far away.

Dusky Days is a full-brother to good stayer Fontsanta and is from a strong female family. He won a bumper on debut and was then 4th in a Listed bumper at Ascot. He ended last season with two seconds over hurdles and ran to a similar level when third on seasonal debut. However, he disappointed on his handicap debut when I think he sulked in a first-time tongue-tie. With that left off and down in class he should get back on track with a good run here.

Git Maker is a son of top sire Saddler Maker from a high-class French female family. He was progressive in Irish point-to-points, winning on his final start. Upon joining us he had a great first season over hurdles, winning three of his four starts. The final win came at Newcastle under a double penalty which completed a  clean sweep of winners at every NH track in the UK for Jamie Snowden Racing. A promising 2nd on seasonal return, he has improved for that and jumped great when schooled over fences at home in the week. He should appreciate the step up in trip and as long as the ground is soft enough, he should run a big race.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a half-sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs. After finishing 2nd in his bumper on debut, he won two novice hurdles and was 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. He excelled when we sent him novice chasing, winning two and placed twice in Graded events. He exceeded those achievements when winning a 50k added race at Market Rasen nicely on his return this autumn. He's up 3lb for that and on a career high today but he should run his race again. Excellent chance.  

Obsessedwithyou is a daughter of Bathyrhon (by Monsun), sire of a couple of jumping Stakes winners out of a winning Sleeping Car mare. She is full-sister to Calipsa who won a hurdle on racecourse debut by 10 lengths. This filly almost matched that, winning one of the new Junior NH Development races by just short of that at Wetherby in October on her debut. She is a smart filly with an awful amount of class. This is a giant step up in grade and she has so little experience, but then she might be very good! 

Regarde is by Kapgarde out of a half-sister to a couple of winners in France and to the dam of top-class hurdler The New One. Placed in 4yo Irish points he won this spring as a 5yo. He is a strapping individual who did okay on hurdling debut when fourth at Carlisle. He got tired on the deep ground there and I suspect he needed the race more than I thought he would. We've done plenty with him since and he should be sharper this time around. The addition of a tongue-tie should help him too, so he should show improvement here today.

Park This One is by Walk In The Park from a high-class female family. He arrived with us after winning an English point-to-point and following a debut second under Rules, he progressed to win a bumper impressively at Exeter. He won on hurdles debut at Uttoxeter and has improved at home again since then. This move into Graded company is a big step up and he'll need to improve but he jumps and stays well and is as tough as they come. He always gives himself a chance so he's no forlorn hope!

Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, Thomas Macdonagh has won three races over hurdles and a novice chase. Unfortunately last season was a bit frustrating as he didn't take to the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton and it took hom a while to get his confidence back. Ultimately we didn't have his beloved heavy ground on many occasions but he has shown he can win off his current handicap mark. Back over hurdles here on his seasonal return, he is bound to improve for the run, and Will takes off a valuable 10lb so he's not without a small chance, but with now only four runners, the favourite will be tough to beat and each-way betting is ruled out.

Cornicello was useful at 1m2f on the flat and was placed in four hurdle races last season. He would probably have won bar falling when in a winning position on his final start. This season he improved on his reappearance effort to win on his next run and raised only 1lb, was just denied for the follow up. He won impressively at Wincanton last week, and after the rise in his mark for Hereford he is still 4lb well in this time as the last win did not entail a penalty. If he copes with the step up in trip as the pedigree suggests he should be tough to beat as long as his busy spell doesn't catch him out.  

Datsalrightgino, by Arc third It's Gino, a high-class jumps sire, is also from a smart female family. He was second in three bumpers before enjoying a fruitful novice hurdling campaign with two wins including at Cheltenham. Switched to fences he ran well when 2nd on debut at Newton Abbot and won impressively at Chepstow last time out. Up 9lb for that he runs in a seriously competitive race but is in tip top form and should run well.

Non-runner

Spitfire Girl is by Walk In The Park out of a black-type winning sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner Son Of Flicka. This filly is half-sister to 3 winners including Bandit Country and the 135-rated Granny Biddy. She was pretty green and race-rusty on seasonal/hurdling debut but stepped up on that to be fourth last time out. This looks a warm enough race and it might be she finds her level in handicap hurdles further down the line.

Sea The Clouds is out of a half-sister to Group 2 one mile winner Echo Of Light and Listed 1m4f winer Akaram. He is half-brother to Contended, who has won over hurdles and fences and full-brother to My Mate Mozzie who developed into a Graded novice hurdler. Sea The Clouds was placed in three bumpers last season and won one on his seasonal return. He followed that with an improved display to win on his hurdles debut at Newton Abbot and was second last time out under a penalty. He enters handicaps here off a mark of 111 which looks fair and Will takes off 10lb which puts him firmly in the picture. He should be very competitive.

Super Survivor is by the sire of Grade 1 winner The Storyteller out of a winning half-sister to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate. He was 2bd in an Irish point before joining us last summer. He had a great novice hurdle season when he won twice and was 2nd on his only other start. He is a proper staying chaser for the future and I look forward to sending him novice chasing this season. He too will appreciate softer ground and further in time but this also looks an ideal starting point. 

Passing Well is by Coastal Path, sire of many Grade 1 winners out of a winning sister to the multiple black type winning Papy Mamy. The dam is by Passing Sale, sire of Grand National winner Mon Mome. Passing Well was 2nd last time out at the Punchestown Festival in a seriously-competitive 21-runner bumper. There he was squeezed on the home turn, losing his position but then rallied to stay on and was closing on the winner at the line, after which he joined us. He jumps really well and has the size and scope to make up into a smart prospect. He'll want soft ground and further in time but this looks a nice starting point.  

Kiltealy Briggs won on his seasonal reappearance and was brave and honest that day. He's been a star for us over the years and has been placed in Grade 1 and 2 company. The only times he's disappointed have been over three miles at the Cheltenham Festival. We've tried to make him a three-miler as he's out of a sister to Ballybriggs, who won the National, but his best runs have been over shorter. He gallops and jumps and we're dropping him back to two miles which is a different approach, but hopefully it will suit on a stiff track such as Ascot. He's got no weight either so while it's a gamble it's an interesting one.

Midnight Centurion is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia and from the family of De Soto 2nd in the Champion bumper and fourth in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham. He finished second in both his bumper starts and was placed in a couple of novice hurdles before deservedly getting his head in front. His future lies over fences and he jumps really well. He might want further in time but this is a perfect place for him to make his chasing debut. He is off a nice mark and can be competitive.

Ebonello was placed in both her bumpers last season and pleased us when coming out and winning at Sedgefield getting up close home after showing signs of greenness. She can continue to improve and hopefully can win again.

Cornicello has been running well and after winning the previous time ran another good race when second at Hereford. This is a hands and heels race and his rider is inexperienecd so we're hoping Cornicello can help him to a first career win.

Spice Heaven is out of a half-sister to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John and our Grade 2 winner Anythingforlove. Spice Heaven was in pre-training in Ireland last season and arrived wih us this autumn. This is just the starting point for her on racecourse debut but I'd like to think she can finish in the top half of this field.

Milldam is a son of Martaline out of a winning half-sister to the useful 2m1f to 2m4f hurdle and chase winner Polidam and Dayladam. Milldam was placed in all three starts over hurdles in France and arrived here midway through last season. He finished midfield in the Boodles at the Festival in March, thereby remaining a novice for this season. He was second on his seasonal debut and should improve for the run and he will appreciate the softer ground. Hopefully he can get off the mark here.

You Wear It Well is a daughter of Midnight Legend out of a winning black-type mare who has produced three winners from four runners including  five-time scorer Schiaparannie. She finished second on her racecourse debut at Ludlow and then easily won a Catterick bumper which looked quite competitive. We like this mare who jumps well and she duly made an impressive return on her hurdling debut, winning by a wide margin at Worcester. Hopefully she can defy the penalty today before stepping up in class.

Tallow For Coal is brother to two black-type winners from a good female family which features Denman. Tallow For Coal won a maiden Irish point-to-point and was placed in all three novice hurdles. However, he was always going to be a better chaser and won two novice handicaps and placed another three times. He has done well for the summer and he is still a young horse with more improvement in him.  He is fit and well and this looks a suitable race in which to start him outside novice company. This is competitive but he should run well.

Jack Sprat is by Walk In The Park, sire of many Grade 1 winning jumpers including Douvan and Min, from a successful female family on the flat and over jumps. He was backed and ridden away last summer and after a winter's education, made his debut in a bumper at Chepstow, finishing a promising fourth. Green and backward that day, he has matured since and can run a nice race here.

Representing Bob is out of a winning Bob Back mare and from the family of Gold Cup winner Synchronised. He wasn't beaten far in his bumper but still looked green and backward in three hurdle starts. As a result he picked up a low handicap mark and exploited it last season with three wins over fences and two close seconds. He still wasn't the finished article so we didn't over-race him and there should be more to come this season. A good second on his return at Uttoxeter last month, he'll improve for the run. He would appreciate some cut in the ground so hopefully it hasn't dried out too much. 

Roger Pol, by Shantou, sire of multiple Grade 1 winners out of a flat winning dam by Monsun, is a relative of a host of black-type winners including seven-time successful Adrrastos, which we used to train. Roger Pol was second on his only start in an Irish point, when he went down narrowly, He won pretty impressively in a warm Worcester bumper on his debut for us. He could be smart and can run well here despite this being a good race.

GA Law goes for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He is half-brother to six winners including Val De Law who was placed in a Grade 1 for us two years ago. He won on hurdles debut in France before arriving with us. After giving him time to acclimatise he hit the ground running in novice chases as we utilised the generous 4yo wfa allowance. He won three novices on the bounce including the Grade 2 Rising Stars Chase at Wincanton and placed in the Henry VIII (Grade 1) at Sandown and Pendil (Grade 2) at Kempton but then picked up an injury before Aintree 2021. Off for 600 days, he returned in the Old Roan Chase there, making a mistake 5 out but staying on strongly to be third beaten only a length. My only concern is that the race was just three weeks ago and that he doesn't "bounce" after the long absence. If he doesn't he will have a seriously good chance.. 

Soldier Of Destiny is a Presenting gelding out of a winning dam and half-brother to a couple of winners. Beaten five lengths on Irish point-to-point debut behind subsequent Grade 1 winner Gentlemansgame, he was then second in a bumper. After a lack-lustre start over hurdles he proved a revelation over fences, winning decent novice handicaps at Ffos Las and Haydock. He needed his run in the Old Roan more than I thought he would but he has improved since and I'd like to think he can go well here.

Hardy Du Seuil is by Coastal Path, from the family of Silviniaco Conti and Cheltenham Festival winner Eglantine Du Seuil. He was 2nd in two 3yo bumpers in France before bolting up over hurdles at Fontainebleau. He then came to us and we sent him novice chasing last season when he utilised the wfa allowance, winning twice and finishing 2nd in a Grade 3. His jumping of fences wasn't always assured though and we thought he would appreciate going back over hurdles this season where he runs off a lower mark. The ground was too quick in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his reappearance and if we put a line through that he looks a big price here today.. 

Legends Ryde is out of a black-type winning mare who won the Listed Mares' Hurdle Final at Newbury. She won a bumper and was second in another at Listed level before winning her novice hurdle. Covid then interrupted her progression but she came back to form last season in novice chases. She won three and was second in a valuable Graduation Chase at Ascot. Her recent comeback third would have brought her on nicely. This Listed race is very competitive and she'll have to improve again to win it, but she (unlike some in the field) is guaranteed to stay and is not without an each-way chance.

Cornicello was twice a winner over 1m2f on the flat and placed in four hurdle starts before taking a nasty fall at the last flight when looking the most likely winner at Huntingdon. He has come back better than ever this autumn winning nicely at Plumpton and from a 1lb higher mark is the one they all have to beat,

Papa Rocco Coco is by Shirocco from the family of Arkle Chase winner Mulligan. He looks to have plenty of speed but was green and backward on his debut last month. If he can step forward and harness that ability here he would have an each-way chance.

Hardy Du Seuil, a son of top French jumps stallion Coastal Path from a smart female family, finished second in two French bumpers as a three-year-old before bolting up at Fontainebleau. We utilised his 4yo WFA allowance to win two chases and he also finished second in a Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock. His jumping of fences wasn't always assured, though, so we've brought him back hurdling where he is better handicapped. He found the ground too fast in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las last month, but if, as I believe, you can put a line through that, he's a very big price today.

Colonel Harry is another with a lovely jumps pedigree - by Shirocco out of a sister to Colonel Yaeger,- and he's full-brother to smart Dorabelle. He fell at the last fence when having the race at his mercy on point-to-point debut but made amends with a fast-time win on his next appearance. Runner-up at 2m4f on hurdles debut, I think he will be happier dropping to the minimum trip on soft ground here. Beaten by a good horse that day, he will have improved for the run and I expect him to go very close today.

Git Maker, a son of top jumps sire Saddler Maker out of a black type winner from a lovely French family, was progressive in Irish points, winning on his final start. He had a great first season over hurdles after joining us, winning three of four. His success at Newcastle on his final start was memorable not just for his defying a double penalty, but as it completed a clean sweep for Jamie Snowden Racing with winners at all the UK's jump courses. He has schooled well at home and should continue to progress over fences this season. I'm sure he will improve for going up in trip on softer ground but this is a nice starting point.  

Villainess is a daughter of a wonderfully-bred Listed winning dam who has already produced three winners from three runners in three bumpers. Let's hope she can follow in her siblings' footsteps by taking this bumper on debut and from there go on to pick up some black type for her enthusiastic owner-breeder. I don't think this looks the warmest of bumpers for Newbury and hopefully she can run well.

By Westerner, sire of multiple Grade 1 winning jumpers out of a sister to four Black Type winners, Braveheart was second in a bumper and on hurdle debut too. He didn't have much luck following that initial promise but after he returned this season with an initial third, he then stepped up a gear at Exeter jumping fluently to win impressively. He's up 8lb here so this is a bit tougher, but a reproduction of that form would enable him to go close again as the odds suggest.

A son of Saddler Maker out of a Black Type winner from a lovely French family, Git Maker was progressive in Irish points, winning on his final outing. He had a great first season for us over hurdles, winning three of his four starts. When he won his final race at Newcastle, defying his double penalty, he completed the clean sweep of a winner at every UK jumps track for team Jamie Snowden racing. He jumps fences well and should continue to progress over them this season. He wants softer ground so hopefully Newbury will get its share of the rain that is due or else he will not run.

Datsalrightgino, by German-trained Arc third I'ts Gino, is out of a three-time winning Group placed mare. He was second in three bumpers before a fruitful novice hurdling campaign last season, including two wins around Cheltenham. He ran well to be second on his chasing debut at Newton Abbot last month and will be sharper for that outing. He should be very competitive here despite its being a tight, warm affair.  

A full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper on his racecourse debut and was then 4th in a Listed bumper at Ascot. He finished last season with two 2nds over hurdles, and ran to a similar level of form when 3rd on seasonal debut.  This step up in trip on handicap debut should help him, as will the tongue tie....so let's hope he can get back into the winners enclosure.

Out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4f winner Akarem.  Sea the Clouds is a half-brother to Contented who has won over hurdles and fences, and a full brother to My Mate Mozzie who developed into a Graded novice hurdler.  Sea the Clouds was placed in three bumpers last season, and won a bumper on his seasonal return. He followed up with an improved display when winning on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot last month, and can defy a penalty this autumn.  This looks a tight race, but he has improved for his hurdling debut, and should be there or thereabouts.

Was very consistent in his younger days before finally getting his head in front and then won three chases in relatively quick succession.  Although he has struggled off higher marks, he slipped back to an attractive mark again and won well last time out.  Up 3lbs for that, he should go well again here, but isn't getting any younger....

By Walk In The Park, out of a black-type winning sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner, Son Of Flicka. This filly is a half-sister to 3 winners including Bandit Country and the 135 rated Granny Biddy.  She was 2nd in three bumpers, and looks like she has a future.  She was pretty green and race rusty on seasonal and hurdling debut, and needs to brush up on her hurdling.  I am sure she has ability, so should step forward here and she has place claims here.

Regarde, by Kapgarde, is out of a half-sister to a couple of winners in France and from the family of The New One. Placed in Irish points as a four-year-old for Colin Bowe, his form took a big step up when winning one this spring. He's a strapping individual and looks an exciting recruit to our team. He is working well, jumps superbly and this looks an ideal starting point. He shouldn't be far away.

By a son of Monsun called Bathyrhon (the sire of Compiegne Grade 3 winner Bathyscaphe and Isatis De L'Ecu, a Grade 1 winner at Merano), out of a Sleeping Car mare who won twice.  This filly is a full sister to Calipsa who won a hurdle race by 10 lengths on her racecourse debut.  She was in pre-training last season, and looks tailor made for these new Junior National Hunt Development Hurdle Races.  Tricky to evaluate the opposition, but this filly shouldn't be too far away on this her racecourse debut.  She will be for sale afterwards....

By Walk In The Park and is out of an unraced sister to the Listed and five-time winner Santia (officially rated 139) and Lord Over who was 3rd in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown. Park This One arrived with us after winning an English Point-to-Point. He was 2nd on his rules debut and progressed to win a bumper impressively at Exeter. He looks a really promising horse to go novice hurdling with this winter.  He jumps well, stays well, and should be competitive here, but will obviously improve for the seasonal debut.

Out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before winning two handicap hurdles last summer. She won on chase debut but has struggled a bit since.  There is decent prize money here, and only the 4 runners, so hopefully she can end her season with a placed effort at worst here!

By Martaline out of a French winning half-sister to the very useful 2m1f-2m4f hurdle and chase winner Polidam and Listed-placed chase winner Dayladam.  Milldam was placed in all three starts over hurdles in France, and arrived here mid-way through last season.  He was mid-field in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Festival in March, and remains a novice which could be useful in the future. This looks a bit trappy, but providing there is cut in the ground, then I think he might be the one to beat.

Tricky Trickster (officially rated 152).  Interestingly, Doc McCoy is bred on the same Getaway/Oscar cross as Sporting John (officially rated 153). Doc McCoy was a deeply impressive winner of a maiden Point-to-Point on his debut where he won by 20 lengths in a time that was 6.5 seconds quicker than any of the other three maidens on the card.  He works nicely at home, and could be quite smart.  Obviously, we've not been working on the grass yet, but he goes well, and should be capable of winning a bumper.

Soldier Of Destiny is a well-connected Presenting gelding and started out placed in an Irish point and second in a bumper. Lacklustre initially over hurdles, he proved a revelation over fences and won decent novice handicaps at Ffos Las and Haydock. He looks to have strengthened for his summer break and this has been the plan since he came back in. He is 2lb out of the handicap today but is an unexposed young horse with a nice future and I'd like to think he can go well here.

We also run GA Law in the Old Roan Chase and this half-brother to six winners was placed in a Grade 1 hurdle two seasons back. A winner on debut over hurdles in France before joining us, we gave him time to acclimatise. We exploited the four-year-old allowance and he hit the ground running in novice chases, winning three on the bounce including the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton. Later he was placed in both the Grade 1 Henry VIII and Grade 2 Pendil but then picked up an injury before his target at Aintree 2021. That has kept him off until now but he has come back bigger and stronger and has done plenty of work. He's been off for 600 days, so should come on for this, but he is weighted to run very well.

A remarkable horse with not much of a pedigree, who has been a star for us.  After being placed in a bumper, he won two novice hurdles the season before last and was just touched off in a listed event at Market Rasen on handicap debut.  He won two novice chases last season and was given a lofty rating.  However, we thought he was quite ‘well in’ off his hurdles rating and so it proved when winning the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen in July – the big hurdle race of the summer.   Up 4lbs for that, we gave him a spin at Worcester in August, but he pulled both front shoes off that day, so we can forgive him that.  The handicapper gave us a pound back, and he ran a belter off top weight back at Market Rasen when 3rd last time out.  This looks tough, but Will can take 10lbs off his back, and providing the ground doesn't turn soft, then he can run another big race.

Out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4f winner Akarem.  Sea the Clouds is a half-brother to Contented who has won over hurdles and fences, and a full brother to My Mate Mozzie who developed into a Graded novice hurdler.  Sea the Clouds was placed in three bumpers last season, and won a bumper on his seasonal return. He followed up with an improved display when winning on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot last month, and can defy a penalty this autumn.  It looks like we have the favourite to beat here.

Was very consistent in his younger days before finally getting his head in front and then won three chases in relatively quick succession. Although he has struggled off higher marks, he slipped back to an attractive mark and won last time out under a lovely ride from Page.  He is up 3lbs and in good form.  Jonathan is having his second ride, and knows him well from riding him every day at home. 

A Midnight Legend filly out of a winning black-type mare, who has produced three winners from four runners, including the five-time winner, Schiaparannie.  This mare was 2nd on her racecourse debut at Ludlow and then won a bumper on her next start.  That race looked competitive, and we like this mare.  She jumps well, and could be quite smart.  This race is full of bumper winners, and could end up being a warm contest.  Would appreciate the ground softer.

By Shantou (the sire of multiple Grade 1 winners including The Storyteller and Death Duty), out of a winner on the flat and over jumps by Monsun.  Roger Pol is a brother to the Grade 1-placed and 3m hurdle winner Minella Crooner, and a half-brother to the seven-time winner, Adrrastos (who we used to train) and the black-type winning, L'Aigle Royale. Roger Pol was 2nd on his first and only start to date in an Irish Point-to-Point where he only went down narrowly. He looks smart enough to win a bumper in this autumn, whilst he will develop into a capable hurdler this coming season.  This looks a hot contest, but he should run well.

By Westerner, the sire of multiple Grade 1 jumpers, out of a sister to four black-typed horses: Group-placed 1m4f winner Armand, Guilder (Grade 2), Rock Gone (Grade 3), and useful winner Goss (Grade 2).  He was 2nd in a bumper last season and was 2nd on his hurdling debut too, and although he didn’t have much luck afterwards, I’d like to think he can progress over fences this season.  He ran well enough on seasonal debut when 3rd, but he didn't get into a good jumping rhythm that day.....if he can today, then he'd have a decent chance. 

Cornicello won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2, and was placed in four hurdle starts last season before taking a nasty fall at the last when looking the most likely winner. He remains a novice hurdler for this season, and that could prove a blessing in disguise. He will have improved for his seasonal debut, and looks nicely handicapped here.  Carries a lot of weight, but if he can carry that, then he'd have a decent chance of being in the mix once more.

Ebonello is a gorgeous daughter of champion jumps sire Presenting out of smart, black-type winning mare Ravello Bay. She has acquitted herself well in her two runs to date, third at Ludlow and then second, staying on at Hereford. She could be capable of winning an autumn bumper after which her target will be the Listed Mares' final at Newbury in which her dam was placed. Big chance.

Datsalrightgino is by the high-class German stallion It's Gino (Arc third) and out of a triple winning and Group placed mare. He was second in three bumpers before a fruitful novice hurdles campaign when he won twice including at Cheltenham. He hated winter ground so he should appreciate autumn conditions as we go chasing with him. This is a tight four-runner novice handicap but I think he's well handicapped on hurdles form. Good chance.

Legends Ryde is from a good jumps family and she won a bumper and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham before winning a novice hurdle. Covid then interrupted her progression but after a frustrating season she bounced back last term winning three GBB races and was 2nd in a good graduation chase at Ascot. I'm aiming her at Listed chases this season and while this race will bring her on, it's a decent pot anyway and I think she can be second to get her season rolling.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a half-sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs. After a second on debut in a bumper he won two novice hurdles and was 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. He excelled when sent novice chasing, winning twice and placed in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company. We'd like to aim for the Grand Sefton at Aintree next month and this looks a good starting point. It's competitive as it should be for the money and although he will improve for the run he should make a good showing.

By the champion sire, Kayf Tara (the sire of multiple Grade 1 winners, Thistlecrack, Special Tiara, Thyme Hill etc).  She is out of a four-time winning black-typed mare who won the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon.  Her dam is the sister to the Grade 1 and Grade 2 winner, Bitofapuzzle.  She was in training last season but wasn’t ready to run, however she did well this summer and looks a nice young horse.  Obviously she will improve for this racecourse debut, but we like her and she should run a nice race. 

Out of a winning Bob Back mare and from the family of the Gold Cup winner, Synchronised. Representing Bob wasn’t beaten far in a bumper, but looked green and backward in three hurdle starts.  However, he has picked up a low handicap mark as a result, and he exploited that last season with three wins over fences and two close seconds. He still wasn’t the finished article so we didn’t over race him, and there should be more to come from him again this season. This looks a tight little race, and competitive, but the ground should be good having watered all summer, and we need to start him off somewhere.  He is in great order and 3m on a galloping track looks a nice starting point for the season.

By Shamardal, out of a half-sister to St Leger winner, Encke. Morning Symphony won on her handicap debut on the flat when stepped up to 1m4.  She was bought to go jumping but hasn't been the most natural, and so we've put her back on the flat.  She has run ok in both starts on the flat, but still looks vulnerable tonight really.

Hardy Du Seuil, by smart NH sire Coastal Path, was second in two three-year-old bumpers in France before bolting up at Fontainebleau.  On joining our stable we sent him novice chasing to utilise the 4yo wfa allowance and he won twice as well as finishing second in a Grade 2. His jumping wasn't always assured and we thought he would appreciate going back over hurdles where he runs off a lower mark. He has an engine and could be very well handicapped. It's a 50k race and he is well worth a chance at a decent price.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to Irish Grand National third Whatuthink. By Presenting, she was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles before winning two handicap hurdles last summer. She won on chase debut this season but things haven't quite gone to plan since. She did run well enough last time though back over fences and off a competitive low mark she'll have her chance.

By Dylan Thomas out of a German 1m3f winner, who is a half-sister to two German Listed winners over 1m and 1m2f.  Night Fever is a half-sister to a couple of French flat winners.  She won over 1m1f on the flat, and was placed over 2m.  After a winter off, she has been placed over hurdles this summer, but her jumping has let her down on occasions.  She seems in a good place now, and providing carrying top weight doesn't inconvenience her, then she'd have a chance here.

By Shirocco, out of an unraced sister to the five-time winner, Coco Opera, who was the dam of Grade 2 winner Artic Skipper and five-time winner, Castle Robin.  He is from the family of the Arkle winner, Mulligan. He was in pre training last season, and he looks to have the speed to win a bumper. Tricky to work out this race with quite a few unraced horses, but our lad goes well at home

Colonel Harry, a son of Shirocco, sire of numerous Grade 1 winning juimpers iincluding Annie Power and Minella Rocco, is out of a full-sister to smart performer Colonel Yeager. He fell at the final fence with the race at his mercy on his point-to-point debut but then made amends, bolting up in a very fast time. He has summered well and looks a potentially smart horse at home. He is bound to improve for his racecourse debut as the season progresses but this is a nice starting point.

Chapmanshype has been a prolific performer, winning nine of his 25 career starts. Six times successful in handicap hurdles earlier in his career he made an impressive winning debut over fences in the summer of last year but scared himself that day. He did manage places on his next two starts but didn't look a natural chaser. Back over hurdles he took a while to come back to himself and for his mark to slip to a competitive mark. It all fell right again at Newton Abbot in July and he was a good second last time out. He loves this track and providing it's not riding too soft after last night's rain he should have a decent chance of maintaining his unbeaten record here.

By Westerner, the sire of multiple Grade 1 jumpers, out of a sister to four black-typed horses: Group-placed 1m4f winner Armand, Guilder (Grade 2), Rock Gone (Grade 3), and useful winner Goss (Grade 2).  He was 2nd in a bumper last season and was 2nd on his hurdling debut too, and although he didn’t have much luck afterwards, I’d like to think that he can progress over fences this autumn.

A full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper on his racecourse debut and was then 4th in a Listed bumper at Ascot. He finished last season with two 2nds over hurdles and remains a novice hurdler this season, and should be able to win one of these. 

Out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper and a maiden hurdle.  He has largely been very consistent since, and has been placed in several decent handicaps. He deservedly got his head in front earlier this summer at Newton Abbot and can continue to progress over hurdles before he goes novice chasing in the spring.  This looks a tight little race, but he should run his race and won't be far away.

By Walk In The Park, out of a black-type winning sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner, Son Of Flicka. This filly is a half-sister to 3 winners including Bandit Country and the 135 rated Granny Biddy.  She was 2nd on her racecourse debut in a bumper and has since been 2nd in two more bumpers last season.  We have been patient with her, and she has really developed well over the summer.  She jumps well, and should make up into a useful novice hurdler this season.  This looks a lovely starting point for her hurdling debut, and she should run a nice race, but is sure to improve for the experience. 

Was very consistent in his younger days before finally getting his head in front and then won three chases in relatively quick succession. Although he has struggled off higher marks, he has slipped back to an attractive mark again and after a break he should be competitive again.

Out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4f winner Akarem.  Sea the Clouds is a half-brother to Contented who has won over hurdles and fences, and a full brother to My Mate Mozzie who developed into a Graded novice hurdler.  Sea the Clouds was placed in three bumpers last season, and won a bumper on his seasonal return.  He jumps well, and should develop into a smart hurdler in time.  Hopefully he can start off on the right foot today.

Pisgah Pike took advantage of his lower hurdles mark to win the Summer Hurdle here with a strong late run. Raised for that he did not run much of a race at Warwick but he pulled both front shoes off so we can forgive him. The handicapper gave us 1lb back for that and this race has been the target even since. If he can replicate the Summer Hurdle run he will be bang there again.

Out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before winning two handicap hurdles last summer. She won on chase debut this season, but things haven't fallen for her since.  Back off a nice mark, and back over fences again in a small runner affair, I'd like to think she can run well here.

By Shamardal, out of a half-sister to St Leger winner, Encke. Morning Symphony won on her handicap debut on the flat when stepped up to 1m4.  She was bought to go jumping but hasn't been the most natural, and so we've put her back on the flat.  She ran ok last time out, when just appearing not to stay 1m6, and so this drop back to 1m4 should be in her favour.  Probably over-priced at 25-1, but still a long shot!

Teeceethree is out of a 4-time winning mare that we trained when we started out.  This 4-year-old is by Native Ruler, who is a half-brother to the St Leger winner, Sixties Icon, out of the Oaks winner Love Divine.  TeeCeeThree was a good 4th on her racecourse debut at Stratford last month, and will have improved for that run...so shouldn’t be too far away here.

Cornicello won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2, and was placed in four hurdle starts last season before taking a nasty fall at the last when looking the most likely winner. He remains a novice hurdler for this season, and that could prove a blessing in disguise.  This looks competitive but I think we come out best on the figures, and we go there with a decent chance of upsetting the favourite.

Although Arbennig began his career with a promising third in a bumper, it took a while for the penny to drop over hurdles. Once qualified for a handicap rating we sent him chasing and he won nicely earlier this summer. He has been a little in and out since then but there should be more to come after his recent wind operation. Hopeful.

Donnie was placed in all three bumpers but then picked up an injury, and missed last season.  He was a very creditable 2nd earlier this summer after being off the track for just shy of 600 days.  We've given him time since that run, and he can only improve going forwards.  This race looks quite competitive, but he should be bang there at the end....

A prolific winner, having won 9 of his 25 starts.  Having won six handicap hurdles earlier in his career, he won on chasing debut in impressive fashion last summer.  However, he rather scared himself that day, and although placed on his next two starts, he didn’t look a natural chaser.  Back over hurdles, he took a while to come back to himself, and for his mark to slip to where could be competitive again.  However, it all fell right with an authoritative win at Newton Abbot in July, and he is now our winning most horse ever – what a legend! He has to back that up again here, but as long as the ground isn't soft here, then he'd have another chance.....

Sea The Clouds is a well-bred gelding who has been placed in all three of his bumpers. He had a good break over the summer and has been working well recently. We were going to send him over hurdles, but this bumper was looking as though it would cut up and I thought it too good an opportunity to miss. Big chance and a worthy favourite.

Night Fever is by Dylan Thomas out of a winning High Chaparral flat mare, whose sisters were both Listed winners over 1m and 1m3. Night Fever was a winner on the flat in Germany over 1m1, and was 2nd over 2 miles. She was bought last summer, with the plan of going hurdling this summer. She was a good 3rd on her hurdling debut, but her jumping wasn't up to scratch on her second start.  She ran well last time out back here at Worcester over these brush hurdles, and after a recent wind operation, she makes her handicap debut tonight. Place chance.

By Shamardal out of a half-sister to St Leger winner, Encke. Morning Symphony won on her handicap debut on the flat when stepped up to 1m4. She has been bought to go jumping this summer, but unfortunately she's not had much luck jumping so far, so we're back on the flat here. She should run well, granted a clear run.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle last season at Fakenham.  However, things didn't fall his way through the winter.  After a break, he showed improved form to be 2nd at Hexham in May when dropped back in trip and with the application of cheek pieces he wasn't beaten far into 3rd at Fontwell.  He ran well at Stratford when stepped up in class, and deservedly got his head in front last time out at Newton.  Up 8lbs here, he should run well again as he is in great order at home, but has to improve again off this kind of mark. 

It's three years now since Between The Waters recorded his three chase victories in fairly quick succession, all with Page in the saddle. He is in a long losing run but consequently his mark has dropped. Nowadays he's mainly one for the young jockeys to ride, but back in a normal race, Page takes over. He'd have a chance if he settles and lasts out the 3m2f trip.

Valamix is a well-connected gelding by the top French stayer Valirann, an Aga Khan stallion. Valamix was placed in his final bumper run and now in all three of his hurdles starts. He looks to have improved each time and clearly appreciated the latest step up in trip. He is not overly well handicapped but is improving and can steo forward again here.

Pisgah Pike has proved himself capable both over hurdles and fences in the past. He returned this season needing his first run over fences at Newton Abbot but then bounced back to his best with a thrilling win with a strong finish to a strong renewal of the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen. He's had time to recover from that effort and now raised 4lb he can continue to be competitive in similar races. Hopeful of another good performance. 

College Oak has come back well this season and after a couple of decent efforts he won nicely at Stratford with a resolute performance. Next time at Uttoxeter, up 5lb, he couldn't get his required lead and the distance might have stretched him anyway. Back over the course and distance of that most recent win, he has to hold a big chance in this four-horse affair.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, but came good after a winter break with victory last summer at Worcester and at Uttoxeter, and she was very consistent all summer and into the autumn.  She returned in good form to be 3rd at Ffos Las in early April, and she then won on her chasing debut at Stratford.  She disappointed on her next start over fences, but back over hurdles, off a mark only 2lbs higher than last successful over hurdles, she looked to have every chance when clattering through the last and ultimately was pulled up immediately. Thankfully none the worse, she comes here with a chance once more.

Some Day Soon was running well off a mark of 139 over hurdles at the start of last summer, but wasn't able to win.  So we sent him novice chasing, and he bolted up on his chasing debut, but then showed he lacked the scope to progress over fences.  Back over hurdles he was a fine 3rd at Aintree in the autumn, but his mark has looked a bit high.  He wasn't beaten far on his seasonal return, but hasn't looked to stay 3m the last two times. However, his mark has slipped as a result, and he's looking dangerously handicapped now dropping in class, with a useful 7lbs claimer on board. This trip might be a touch short, and he needs to bounce back to form....but that could happen here.

Fortunate Fred is out of a sister to French winners, this gelding is a half-brother to the 130 rated Darling Maltaix.  Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, he looked to be in with every chance when coming down at the last on his hurdling debut.  He subsequently finished 2nd on his next start, but came back with an injury to his knee and was off for a while before coming back in December and finishing 5th but not enjoying the softer ground. He has been placed on both starts this summer and was very unfortunate to be beaten a nose last time out. This looks a good opportunity for him, granted a touch of fortune this time.

Out of a four time winning mare that we trained, this filly has done plenty of work and is developing into a nice sort. She's not worked on grass, so will improve for this outing, but she goes well enough at home to suggest she can be winning races of this nature. 

By Shamardal out of a half-sister to St Leger winner, Encke. Morning Symphony won on her handicap debut on the flat when stepped up to 1m4. She has been bought to go jumping this summer, and she jumps well so should be winning races in this sphere. Unfortunately, she was at the wrong end of a domino effect and unseated at the first on her hurdling debut, but she has schooled well since, so we're hoping for a clear round this time!  Providing all goes well, I can see her running into a place here.

By Shamardal out of a half-sister to St Leger winner, Encke. Morning Symphony won on her handicap debut on the flat when stepped up to 1m4. She has been bought to go jumping this summer, and she jumps well so should be winning races in this sphere. This doesn't look a great race but she'll improve for the experience, but she'd have an each way chance

Night Fever is by Dylan Thomas out of a winning High Chaparral flat mare, whose sisters were both Listed winners over 1m and 1m3.  Night Fever was a winner on the flat in Germany over 1m1, and was 2nd over 2 miles. She was bought last summer, with the plan of going hurdling this summer.  She was a good 3rd on her hurdling debut last month, but her jumping wasn't up to scratch last time out.  We've done plenty of work on that and she runs in cheek pieces today, so I'd like to think we can forget the last run, and improve on her debut.  Place chance today.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle last season at Fakenham.  However, things didn't fall his way through the winter.  After a break, he showed improved form to be 2nd at Hexham in May when dropped back in trip and with the application of cheek pieces he wasn't beaten far into 3rd at Fontwell.  He probably ran a career best last time out when out of the handicap and trapped for room at a crucial point.  This trip looks ideal, and he deserves to get his head in front having been mightily consistent of late.

Some Day Soon was finding winning elusive last summer off a mark 139 so we sent him novice chasing and he bolted up on debut. Unfortunately he lacked the scope to progress over fences but returned to hurdles with a fine third at Aintree last autumn. He wasn't beaten far at Uttoxeter on his return but then pulled half his foot off at Worcester so a line can be put through that. He is fit and well again now and I hope they miss the rain in which case he would run much better than the odds suggest.

College Oak is from the family of Best Mate and other jumping stars but after a good start in bumpers and novice hurdles his career stalled somewhat when going over fences. After having last winter off he has come back better than ever and following a near miss at Ffos Las he stepped forward with a lovely win at Stratford where he was most resolute. Up 5lb and also in trip, we are hopeful that a reproduction of that effort will see him going close again.

Between The Waters did well once sent over fences winning three in a short period in 2019 although he struggled once on higher ratings later on. He has slipped back to an attractive mark and following a break he should be competitive again. He's now one for the young jockys to ride and he gives amateur Jonathan Rees his first ride in public.

Pisgah Pike won two novice chases last season and two hurdles the campaign before. He needed his comeback run when well beaten over fences at Newton Abbot and while I think he is a better hurdler than chaser he is rated 6lb higher over fences. I think he has an excellent chance of running very well in this competitive renewal of the valuable Summer Hurdle.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada.  Valamix was placed in his last bumper and on both his hurdle starts.  He looks to have improved with each run, and he should appreciate this step up in trip.  He should run into a place today, and with some luck he'd have half a chance of challenging the favourite.  It's not a strong race.  

Champanshype is a prolific winner, having won 8 of his 24 starts under rules.  Having won six handicap hurdles, he won on chasing debut in impressive fashion last summer.  However, he rather scared himself over fences, and although placed on his next two starts, he didn't look a natural chaser.  Back over hurdles he was a good 2nd off a mark of 137 at the end of last season.  He always needs his first run of the summer, and he did again this year at Cheltenham, and he looked back in form when 2nd over an inadequate trip at Newton Abbot in May. He didn't really handle the track at Hexham last time out, but the handicapper is giving him a chance again, so I could see a big run again here from him.

Fortunate Fred is out of a sister to French winners, this gelding is a half-brother to the 130 rated Darling Maltaix.  Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, he looked to be in with every chance when coming down at the last on his hurdling debut.  He subsequently finished 2nd on his next start, but came back with an injury to his knee and was off for a while before coming back in December and finishing 5th but not enjoying the softer ground.  He will have improved for his latest start when 3rd at Fontwell, and it has to be said that his hurdle form is possibly the best in this line up, so if he can return to anywhere near his best then he shouldn't be too far away.

Donnie Azoff is from a very nice jumping family and he did well when placed in his three bumpers a couple of seasons ago. After disappointing on hurdles debut he picked up an injury and has been off for a long time. He has done plenty of work and is schooling nicely so while he is bound to improve for the outing we're expecting a decent run here.

Bucko's Boy won a bumper early on and a hurdle last season but things haven't fallen right for him since and the handicapper has given him a chance. He showed improved form to be second at Hexham in May and wasn't beaten far in third last time. He is 3lb wrong in the weights today but off the bottom I think he can pick up some nice place prizemoney.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, but came good after a winter break with victory last summer at Worcester and at Uttoxeter, and she was very consistent all summer and into the autumn.  She returned in good form to be 3rd at Ffos Las in early April, and she then won on her chasing debut at Stratford.  She disappointed on her next start over fences, but back over hurdles today, off a mark only 2lbs higher than last successful over hurdles, I'd like to think she can be very competitive again. 

Arbennig is a son of the multiple Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats and while nowhere near that class, there is still room for plenty of improvement. He started well with a third in a good bumper, but his time over hurdles proved disappointing. We gave him a wind-op over the winter and he has come back to win a chase making all at Fakenham. Less impressive last time, we are applying blinkers today and hopefully they will help get him back on track.

A winner on the flat in Germany, Night Fever was bought last year to go jumping and she has grown and matured in the interim. She was a good third two lengths behind runner-up Sorceress Medea on debut at Worcester two weeks ago and I think she can turn that form around today. Today's favourite is rated 103 and I would be disappointed if Night Fever wasn't higher than that in time. I think she is massively overpriced here.

Ellie's Sister is out of an unraced half-sister to the useful bumper performer The Posh Paddy.  She is the sister to the prolific winning Ellie Mac and point winner Whisper In Court.  She did a bit in Ireland before coming to us this spring.  She has done plenty of work and goes well enough to be winning a bumper, although we've not worked her on grass yet.  This doesn't look the deepest of races with the form horses not showing a great deal, so it might be open to a newcomer but the point winner could be tough to beat with exoperience on his side.

Shady Daisy is by Flemensfirth and is a full sister to the good stayer, Fontsanta, and to Dusky Days who we also train.  She is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation. Dusky Days won on his racecourse debut for us this time last year, and was then placed in a listed bumper.  Shady Daisy was a very unlucky 3rd on her racecourse debut at Newton Abbot last month, when she met all sorts of trouble in running.  She has stepped forward from that run, and with the experience behind her, I think she has every chance here providing she doesn't bump into a smart newcomer.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel, as well as the multiple winner Inca Trail.  College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot.  However, he didn't appreciate going chasing in the autumn, so we gave him the winter off, and ran well back over hurdles to be 3rd at Ffos Las on his seasonal return.  He took a backward step on his 2nd start of this summer, but he was held up in a slowly run contest, and he got back on track last time out at Ffos Las when making the running in first time blinkers when narrowly beaten in a photo finish. The step up in trip here should help, and I hope he copes with the tight track, but a reproduction of that effort would see him going close again. 

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to a 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame, out of a bumper and multiple hurdle winner Cinderella Rose, who was a sister to the 143 rated Twelve Roses.  Rose O’Hara ran well to be placed in her first two bumpers and ran well enough on her hurdling debut in what turned out to be quite a good race.  She then struggled in deep ground in the depth of the winter when her wind caught her out.  She had a wind operation prior to being 4th in her third novice hurdle, and filled the same spot on her handicap hurdle debut.  However, she stepped up on that effort when 2nd on her chasing debut but unfortunately took a crashing fall last time out.  Back over hurdles here, we are looking for a nice confidence boosting run prior to going back over fences.

Sandaroc is by Shirocco, out of a winning half-sister to the prolific French winner Shanango.  She won a Point-to-Point bumper on debut, but hasn't been the easiest to train under rules.  She has shown glimmers of promise and should find her level if we can keep her right.  Is bound to improve for this run.

Night Fever is by Dylan Thomas out of a winning High Chaparral flat mare, whose sisters were both Listed winners over 1m and 1m3.  Night Fever was a winner on the flat in Germany over 1m1, and was 2nd over 2 miles. She was bought last summer, with the plan of going hurdling this summer.  She has grown and matured during her time out, and she enjoys her jumping.  She will improve with experience, but she goes well and should be winning over obstacles.  This doesn't look a race full of depth, so she should be able to give the favourite a run for her money.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada.  Valamix was placed in his last bumper and on his hurdling debut.  He should run into a place today, and with some luck he'd have half a chance of challenging the favourite.  It's not a strong race. 

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford, in a race which is working out quite well. Things didn't quite click in three novice hurdles over 2m, but he's had a wind operation through the winter, and he promises to make into a handicap chaser.  He was a really promising 2nd at Stratford and but didn't stay 2m6 on his next start, and he won well dropping back to 2m last time out at Fakenham.  That was a bad race, and he has only been raised 1lbs, so he can definitely run well again.  This race lacks much depth, but the favourite looks progressive, so it could be a match up.

Champanshype is a prolific winner, having won 8 of his 23 starts under rules.  Having won six handicap hurdles, he won on chasing debut in impressive fashion last summer.  However, he rather scared himself over fences, and although placed on his next two starts, he didn't look a natural chaser.  Back over hurdles he was a good 2nd off a mark of 137 at the end of last season.  He always needs his first run of the summer, and he did again this year at Cheltenham, and he looked back in form when 2nd over an inadequate trip last time out at Newton Abbot.  The handicapper is giving him a chance again now, and a reproduction of his latest effort would see him go well here at a big enough price.

Pisgah Pike won two novice chases last summer, and two novice hurdles the previous season, but has yet to win a handicap.  He has run well off higher marks in handicaps though, and there should be a nice race to be won with him this summer.  He is fit and well and goes well fresh, but out of novice company for the first time will require a career best in this competitive and valuable race.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle last season at Fakenham.  However, things haven't fallen his way since and the handicapper has given him a chance.  He showed improved form to be 2nd last time out down in trip and with the application of cheek pieces, and if he can back that run up, then he should have a chance here.

Fortunate Fred is out of a sister to French winners, this gelding is a half-brother to the 130 rated Darling Maltaix.  Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, he looked to be in with every chance when coming down at the last on his hurdling debut.  He subsequently finished 2nd on his next start, but came back with an injury to his knee and was off for a while before coming back in December and finishing 5th but not enjoying the softer ground.  His hurdle form is possibly the best in the line-up, so if he can return anywhere near his best then he shouldn't be too far away.

Stoney Mountain is a half-brother to two winners, out of a half-sister to the smart chaser The Nightingale. After a frustrating season, he bounced back to form last term to win off a career high mark at Newbury, and was 4th in a Grade 3 at Haydock. He got stuck in the mud at Cheltenham in January, and again in the Pertemps Final at the Festival. Back in calmer waters he got his head in front over fences on the opening day of this season, and he looks to have the perfect opportunity to defy a penalty here.

Some Day Soon was running well off a mark of 139 over hurdles at the start of last summer, but wasn't able to win. So we sent him novice chasing, and he bolted up on his chasing debut, but then showed he lacked the scope to progress over fences. Back over hurdles he was a fine 3rd at Aintree in the autumn, but his mark has looked a bit high. He wasn't beaten far on his seasonal return at Uttoxeter, and he should improve for that effort. This step up in trip looks a positive, and the blinkers back on should see an improved effort too, but he is carrying top weight, and stamina isn't guaranteed… so he does come with some risks attached here. However, he is fit an well and he should be winning again over hurdles this summer, lets hope it's today.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, but came good after a winter break with victory last summer at Worcester and at Uttoxeter, and she was very consistent all summer and into the autumn.  She returned in good form to be 3rd at Ffos Las in early April, and she then won on her chasing debut last time out at Stratford.  She was rather fortuitous that day, but jumping is the name of the game, and I am not sure that track would play to her strengths.  This track should suit her better, and she has won here before, so I'd like to think she can be very competitive again.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel, as well as the multiple winner Inca Trail.  College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot.  However, he didn't appreciate going chasing in the autumn, so we gave him the winter off, and ran well back over hurdles to be 3rd at Ffos Las on his seasonal return.  However, he took a backward step last time out at Fontwell, but he was held up in a slowly run contest, so hopefully we can put a line through that.  We've added a pair of blinkers this time, and hopefully he can show some form again, especially as he is off a career low mark now too.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada.  Valamix hasn't shown a great deal on the track in bumpers, but did take a step forward in a first time tongue tie last time out.  He jumps well, and there is hope he can improve now over hurdles.

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford, in a race which is working out quite well. He hasn't quite clicked in three novice hurdles over 2m, but he's had a wind operation through the winter, and he promises to make into a handicap chaser.  He was a really promising 2nd at Stratford and but didn't stay 2m6 last time out.  Back down in trip here, in a very weak event, with a bit of luck, he looks to have a decent chance of getting his head in front for the first time.

Is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle last season at Fakenham.  However, things haven't fallen his way since and the handicapper has given him a chance now. Dropping back in trip should help him though and the cheek pieces should help too.  So he's a chance here in a competitive race.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, but came good after a winter break with victory last summer at Worcester and at Uttoxeter, and she was very consistent all summer and into the autumn.  She returned in good form to be 3rd at Ffos Las in early April, and that run should set her up for another productive summer.  She is jumping fences well at home, but makes her debut over fences on the track here today.  A reproduction of her hurdles form should see her have every chance here.

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to a 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame, out of a bumper and multiple hurdle winner Cinderella Rose, who was a sister to the 143 rated Twelve Roses.  Rose O’Hara ran well to be placed in her first two bumpers and ran well enough on her hurdling debut in what turned out to be quite a good race.  She then struggled in deep ground in the depth of the winter when her wind caught her out.  She had a wind operation prior to being 4th in her third novice hurdle, and filled the same spot on her handicap hurdle debut.  However, she stepped up on that effort when 2nd on her chasing debut last time out, and should improve for that effort again.  The drop back in trip might not be in her favour, but it doesn't look a strong race, and she'd have a chance.

Is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia; and from the family of De Soto who was 2nd in the Champion bumper, and 4th in the Supreme Novices.  Midnight Centurion was 2nd in both his bumper starts, and filled the runners up spot on his hurdling debut.  He didn't progress through the winter on a softer surface but back from a break, he won a maiden at Ludlow.  He was 3rd on his handicap debut, but found 2m3 a bit sharp.  This trip should be more suitable, and he won't be too far away today.

After winning a bumper, Beholden deservedly got his head in front over hurdles last summer, and he won a novice under a penalty too.  Back from a break, he ran well to be 2nd off this mark on his seasonal return, and he should improve for that run and back in a visor, I think he should go close here.

Shady Daisy is by Flemensfirth and is a full sister to the good stayer, Fontsanta, and to Dusky Days who we also train.  She is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation. Dusky Days won on his racecourse debut for us this time last year, and was then placed in a listed bumper.  Shady Daisy has done everything that we have asked, and goes well.  She hasn't worked on the grass here in Lambourn as its been too dry, but she is a straightforward filly, and she should give a good account of herself here on her racecourse debut.

Champanshype is a prolific winner, having won 8 of his 22 starts under rules.  Having won six handicap hurdles, he won on chasing debut in impressive fashion last summer.  However, he rather scared himself over fences, and although placed on his next two starts, he didn't look a natural chaser.  Back over hurdles he was a good 2nd off a mark of 137 at the end of last season.  He always needs his first run of the summer, and he did again this year at Cheltenham last month.  He is now in great order, and down in class, with blinkers on, I think he has a good chance of running into a place here.

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford, in a race which is working out quite well. He hasn't quite clicked in three novice hurdles over 2m, but he's had a wind operation through the winter, and he promises to make into a handicap chaser.  He was a really promising 2nd last time out at Stratford and should step forward again here.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel, as well as the multiple winner Inca Trail.  College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot.  However, he didn't appreciate going chasing in the autumn, so we gave him the winter off, and ran well back over hurdles to be 3rd last time out at Ffos Las.  He should be able to win again this spring, and off this kind of handicap mark he could be dangerous if building on his confidence boosting last run.

Socialiser is out of an unraced half-sister to Simonsig, Drumcliff and Dusart.  He has improved with each of his pointing starts and won last time out at Charm Park.  Winners have come out from behind him that day, and he arrived with us soon afterwards.  He goes well enough at home to suggest he can progress under rules and this looks a great starting point for him.  He'd probably only have to run to a mark of 115 to be winning this, and that should be within his compass.  It'll be interesting to see him on his racecourse debut.

Is a half-brother to two winners, out of a half-sister to the smart chaser The Nightingale.  Last season never really happened for him but he came back in serious form this season to win on seasonal debut back over hurdles, and was 4th in a Grade 3 at Haydock.  He got stuck in the mud at Cheltenham in January, and again in the Pertemps Final at the Festival.  Back in calmer waters here, he looks to have every chance of getting his head in front over fences for the first time.

Some Day Soon was running well off a mark of 139 over hurdles at the start of the summer, but wasn't able to win.  So we sent him novice chasing, and he bolted up on his chasing debut, but hasn't progressed really.  Back over hurdles off a mark of 137 he was a fine 3rd at Aintree in the autumn.  He'll be winning again over the summer, and he can go well here, but is sure to improve.

First run for us after coming from the Hugo Palmer yard. Has settled in well and comes to us with some fair form to his name. Looks a nice place to start him off and Jon takes off 5lbs to help too. We'll find out more here and might just improve for the run as not been out since Sept, but small e/w chance and will be winning races for us over the summer.

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to a 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame, out of a bumper and multiple hurdle winner Cinderella Rose, who was a sister to the 143 rated Twelve Roses.  Rose O’Hara ran well to be placed in her first two bumpers last season but has taken time to come to hand this season.  She ran well enough on her hurdling debut in what turned out to be quite a good race, and then she struggled in deep ground in the depth of the winter when her wind caught her out.  She had a wind operation prior to being 4th in her third novice hurdle.  She ran ok to be 4th last time out on her handicap debut, but was outpaced around Hereford, so should appreciate a track like Worcester.  She is making her chase debut here today, but she jumps nicely, and I think she can be competitive here. 

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper last season at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle in May, and has since been placed in a couple of handicaps.  However, things haven't fallen his way on softer ground through the winter, and the handicapper has given him a chance now.  He is fresh and well, and would have a decent chance here in a first time tongue tie.

Midnight Centurion is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia; and from the family of De Soto who was 2nd in the Champion bumper, and 4th in the Supreme Novices.  Midnight Centurion was 2nd in both his bumper starts last season, and filled the runners up spot on his hurdling debut.  He didn't progress through the winter on a softer surface but back from a break, he won well last time out in a maiden at Ludlow.  He's off a very workable mark now in handicap company, and it'll be disappointing if he can't go forwards from here.

After winning a bumper, Beholden deservedly got his head in front over hurdles last summer after a string of placed efforts, and after disappointing dropped back to 2m in a handicap, he won a novice under a penalty last time out.  Back from a break here, and in handicap company again, he's got to step forward again on his seasonal return.  He will be winning again this summer, but this looks a competitive race.

Dusky Days is by Flemensfirth and is a full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper in the spring on his racecourse debut at Stratford and improved for his summer holiday when finishing 4th at Ascot in a Listed bumper in the autumn.  He didn't fire in another listed bumper, but was 2nd on hurdling debut last month.  He should improve for that effort, and stepped up in trip here. This looks a tight race, but we've certainly got a chance here.

Tallow for Coal is a brother to two black type winners and out of a sister to the useful staying chaser Occold and a half-sister to the dam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman.  He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before arriving with us last season.  He was placed in all three novice hurdles last season, but has really developed into a proper staying chaser this season winning two of his five starts.  He disappointed last time however, but that was on atrocious ground at Lingfield, and he just couldn't get his feet out of the ground.  Ideally we'd be running on good to soft ground, but that's been hard to find this spring, so I hope he handles this good ground.  Only a two horse race, so a tactical affair....

Super Survivor is out of a winning half-sister to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate.  He made his pointing debut at Dromahane in May on soft ground, and was only beaten a head with 10 lengths back to the 3rd horse.  He jumps well, stays well, and is a proper staying chaser for the future.  He won well on his racecourse debut despite being pretty raw and green.  He ran to a similar level of form when 2nd last time out under a penalty, and he comes out best on weights today but we hope there is plenty of juice in the ground up here today as he wouldn't appreciate it too quick under foot. 

Park This One is by Walk In The Park (the sire of Champion jumpers Min and Douvan plus the very exciting Ginto & Jonbon) and is out of an unraced sister to the Listed and five time winner Santia (officially rated 139) and Lord Over who was 3rd in the Champion bumper at Punchestown. He won a maiden Point-to-Point at Dunsmore near Exeter in November, in a very fast time, and looks a smart recruit to the team. He stays well, has a great attitude, and will make up into a smart staying novice hurdler next season. He ran well to be 2nd at Hereford on racecourse debut, and he has improved for that run. He will appreciate this stiffer track, and he should be in the three here.

Up for Parol is a brother to the useful bumper winner Letsbeclearaboutit; out of unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before arriving with us last season and subsequently won a couple of novice hurdles.  He was 3rd in a Grade 2 on seasonal debut before disappointing on chasing debut.  Back over hurdles he won on his handicap debut, and was only beaten 8 lengths in the Lanzarote, when he didn't get the run of the race.  He didn't appreciate dropping back to 2m last time out in the Imperial Cup, so hopefully the return to a more suitable trip can see him running well again.  The drying ground is an unknown, but he might just appreciate it.

Datsalrightgino is by the high-class German-trained middle-distance performer, It’s Gino, who was 3rd in the Arc (the sire of Grade 1 winner hurdler and Grade 2 winning chaser, Lalor) and out of a 3-time winning ‘Group placed’ mare.  Gino was 2nd in three bumpers last season, after finishing 3rd on his debut.  He had a wind operation over the summer, and then he bolted up at Fontwell, and also ground out a victory at Cheltenham in December.  He got stuck in the deep ground at Sandown in the Grade 1 Tolworth hurdle, and again didn't appreciate soft ground last time out in a Grade 2 at Kelso.  Back down in class, and back on his favoured ground, he's got a big chance to get back on track if he stays this new trip out.

Champanshype is a prolific winner, having won 8 of his 21 starts under rules.  Having won six handicap hurdles, he won on chasing debut in impressive fashion.  However, he rather scared himself over fences, and although placed on his next two starts, he hasn’t looked a natural chaser.  Back over hurdles here, he makes his seasonal return to action in a competitive race.  He'll run well, and will be winning again this summer, but he will improve for this run.

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford, in a race which is working out quite well. He hasn't quite clicked in three novice hurdles over 2m, but he's had a wind operation through the winter, and he promises to make into a handicap chaser.  However, he was almost taken out by a loose horse on handicap debut at Chepstow 2 weeks ago, and so was pulled up mid race.  He should have a decent each way chance here today.

Alrightjack won a bumper and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts in the spring, and he won on seasonal debut this autumn.  He has struggled off higher marks in better races over 3 miles and 2m4 since, but back down in class, and in trip on softer ground, he was 3rd in a military race last time out.  He might appreciate this nicer ground in a similar race today, and he'd have a placed chance again.

Git Maker is out of a sister to a Black Type winner from a lovely French family. He was placed in three four-year-old points before he won impressively.  He started out under rules on the right foot with an authoritative win in a good maiden at Chepstow, and followed up under a penalty at Carlisle. He was then 4th on handicap debut at Sandown in a race that has worked out well, and he didn't get the run of the rce really.  He looks to have a bright future as a staying chaser next season, however I hope he can win under a double penalty first.

Some Day Soon was running well off a mark of 139 over hurdles at the start of the summer, but wasn't able to win. So we sent him novice chasing, and he bolted up on his chasing debut, but hasn't progressed really. Back over hurdles off a mark of 137 he was a fine 3rd at this track in the autumn. He'll be winning again over the spring/ summer but this is a tough race on his seasonal return.

Legends Ryde is out of a black type winning mare who won the Listed Mares Final at Newbury. Legends Ryde won a bumper the and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to winning a novice hurdle. She lost her way last season, but came back with a bang this time around with a comprehensive win on chasing debut in soft ground around Ffos Las, and followed that up with a strong performance to be 2nd in a good Graduation Chase at Ascot. Her next two runs were slightly disappointing but she had excuses, and she then won well last time out at this track. Up only 1lbs, but down in trip, she's got to step forward again, but she's a smart mare and can go well again here.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel, as well as the multiple winner Inca Trail.  College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot.  However, he didn't appreciate going chasing in the autumn, so we gave him the winter off, and he is back over hurdles here.  He should be able to win again this spring, off this kind of handicap mark but he needs to get his confidence back.

Howdilyoudo is out of a half-sister to the useful winner Whodoyouthink and to Whatuthink (who was third in the Irish National); from the family of Glens Music.  This Presenting filly was placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, but came good after a winter break with victory last summer at Worcester and at Uttoxeter, and she was very consistent all summer and into the autumn.  She has had a good winter break and comes here in good form.  I think that there should be more to come from her over hurdles before she goes chasing later this summer.

Hardy Du Seuil is by Coastal Path from the family of Silviniaco Conti and Cheltenham Festival winner, Eglantine Du Seuil.  He was 2nd in two 3-year-old bumpers in France last season before he bolted up over hurdles at Fontainebleau on soft ground.  He has won two novice chases this season, and was 2nd in a Grade 2.  He looked to put in a career best when 2nd last time out over 2m at Kelso when narrowly denied, that effort was even better as he was without his weight for age allowance.  He is in great form at home, and runs here with every chance of going one better.  It is a tight little race though, so fingers crossed he gets a bit of luck. 

Exod’ela has been placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before opening his account in handicap hurdles.  He has run some fine races including only beaten 3 lengths in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham, but he has run some poor races too - it depends on which side of bed he gets out of in the morning!  He ran well over 4m at Hexham earlier this season and but his wind gave out on bad ground at Lingfield in the winter.  After undergoing a wind operation, I found the perfect race for him at Fakenham but he unseated at the first! He is incredibly well handicapped, and this doesn't look a good race, and so he should have a chance....if on a going day!

Kiltealy Briggs was 2nd in a bumper and won two novice hurdles, before he developed into a useful novice chaser last season.  However, despite being placed in Graded novices, Graduation chases and handicaps, he remained a novice for this season, and we are reaping the benefits of that this season.  He won a novice at Haydock, was just touched off in a decent handicap at Aintree, and was a fine 3rd in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day.  Back in calmer waters he defied a penalty when winning another novice at Musselburgh last month.  He didn't stay an extended 3m in the Ultima at the Cheltenham Festival, and so will appreciate coming back to 2m4 here. He carries a penalty today, so needs to be on his A game, as he also takes on some useful rivals. However, he deserves to take his chance and should give his running.

Sea the Clouds is out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4 winner Akarem.  He is a full brother to My Mate Mozzie, who looks a smart individual.  Sea the Clouds was a good 2nd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Fakenham, and ran to a similar level of form when 3rd at Ludlow last time out.  He has improved at home for the application of a tongue tie, and he should be capable of winning a bumper, and be competitive here.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada.  Valamix hasn't shown on the track what he can do at home, but perhaps has had excuses.  He runs here in a tongue tie, and if he can reproduce what he does at home, then he looks massively over priced!

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to a 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame, out of a bumper and multiple hurdle winner Cinderella Rose, who was a sister to the 143 rated Twelve Roses.  Rose O’Hara ran well to be placed in her first two bumpers last season but has taken time to come to hand this season.  She ran well enough on her hurdling debut in what turned out to be quite a good race, and then she struggled in deep ground in the depth of the winter when her wind caught her out.  She had a wind operation prior to being 4th in her third novice hurdle.  She has a realistic mark now making her handicap debut, and she should appreciate this step up in trip. 

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford, in a race which is working out quite well. He hasn't quite clicked in three novice hurdles over 2m, but he's had a wind operation through the winter, and the step up in trip on handicap debut should bring about some improvement.  He jumps fences well, and that should help him too. 

Nikolayeva is a full sister to Timoshenko who won on hurdling debut for us, but then disappointed.  Nikolayeva was useful on the flat, and is a more straightforward individual than her brother.  She was a good 2nd on her hurdling debut at Ffos Las, and was a better 3rd last time at Lingfield in a couple of novice events through the winter.  She was 3rd over an inadequate trip on her handicap debut, and steps up markedly here.  She has a lot of weight to carry, and if she can handle that and the better ground, then she should be competitive.

Cornicello is a half-brother to various French winners, and his dam was a winning half-sister to a Group 2 winner over 1m6.  He won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2 before arriving in the UK.  He has been placed in all four hurdle starts, and has a rating of 104.  He is getting a four year old weight allowance of 8lbs here, which actually brings him out as the highest rated in the race......so he definitely has a chance here.  I do think he'll improve for the spring ground too, so fingers crossed he can gain a deserved first victory over hurdles.

Present Value is by Gold Well out of a Presenting dam, and is a half-brother to the World Hurdle winner, Paisley Park.  He is new to us this season but previously, he won a novice hurdle and was placed in a couple of competitive novice handicap chases.  However, he took a nasty fall at Newbury, and his form deteriorated afterwards.  Thankfully his confidence returned, and he won on his debut for us at Leicester before Christmas on soft ground.  The ground and the track was a bit too quick for him when beaten 9 lengths at Huntingdon, and he found 2m3 on the inner track at Carlisle too quick. The step up to 3m looks the right move but he might appreciate a softer surface.

Midnight Centurion is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia; and from the family of De Soto who was 2nd in the Champion bumper, and 4th in the Supreme Novices.  Midnight Centurion was 2nd in both his bumper starts last season, and filled the runners up spot on his hurdling debut.  He didn't progress through the winter on a softer surface but back from a break, he looks to have every chance here stepped up in trip on good ground.

Soldier of Destiny was beaten 5 lengths on his debut in an Irish point behind the subsequent Grade 1 performer Gentlemansgame, and he was then 2nd in a bumper, and 4th in a Punchestown novice hurdle. He was a disappointing 4th on hurdling debut in this country, but ran better when 5th on chasing debut.  He looked to show improved form on his first start after a wind op, and on handicap debut when bolting up at Ffos Las on handicap debut. He probably ran to a similar level of form next time out when 3rd at Newbury but didn't look to stay 3m. Dropping in trip here should suit, and he's got heaps of potential. Exciting.

Jack Spratt is by the wonderful sire, Walk in the Park (the sire of multiple Grade 1 winners Douvan and Min etc).  He is out of a three-time winning mare who was placed in Graded company, and a sister to black type performers Aces Four and Ocras Mor.  Jack Spratt has done everything right at home, and has taken all his work well.  He has done plenty, he goes well and he looks to be a bright prospect, but he will undoubtedly improve for this experience

Super Survivor is out of a winning half-sister to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate.  He made his pointing debut at Dromahane in May on soft ground, and was only beaten a head with 10 lengths back to the 3rd horse.  He jumps well, stays well, and is a proper staying chaser for the future.  He won well on his racecourse debut last month despite being pretty raw and green.  He'll improve for that run, and should be well able to defy a penalty.  This looks a three horse race really, and providing the ground stays soft, then he shouldn't be far away here.

Dusky Days is by Flemensfirth and is a full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper in the spring on his racecourse debut at Stratford and improved for his summer holiday when finishing 4th at Ascot in a Listed bumper in the autumn.  He didn't fire in another listed event last time, but back in calmer waters here on his hurdling debut, he shouldn't be far away. 

Exod’ela has been placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before opening his account in handicap hurdles.  He has run some fine races including only beaten 3 lengths in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham, but he has run some poor races too - it depends on which side of bed he gets out of in the morning!  He ran well over 4m at Hexham earlier this season and but his wind gave out on bad ground at Lingfield the last day.  A recent wind operation has seen him improve at home, and if he can translate that onto the track, then he is incredibly well handicapped.  This looks a bad race, and so he should have a good chance....if on a going day!

Stoney Mountain is a a half-brother to two winners, out of a half-sister to the smart chaser The Nightingale.  Stoney didn't appear a natural over a fence last season, and it ended up being a season to forget.  He came back in serious form this season to win on seasonal debut back over hurdles, and was 4th in a Grade 3 at Haydock.  He got stuck in the mud last time out, but has now dropped to a mark 1lb higher than his latest winning mark, and so can be competitive here providing the ground isn't soft on this New Course.  If the ground is bad, then he won't run, and will wait for Aintree instead.

Milldam is out of a French 2m1f hurdle winner, who was a half-sister to very useful 2m1f-2m4f hurdle/chase winner Polidam and Listed-placed 2m1f-2m5f chase winner Dayladam.  He was placed twice in the provinces in France prior to being 3rd in a decent event at Auteuil, which is working out well.  He arrived with us in the autumn, and after a good break, we have trained him with this race in mind.  He is a useful individual, and a mark of 125 might well underestimate him, although this is a big ask on his debut in the UK.  However, he has a similar profile to the favourite!

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a sister to the Grand National winner, Ballabriggs, and is a staying chaser through and through.  He was 2nd in a bumper and won two novice hurdles, before he developed into a useful novice chaser last season.  However, despite being placed in Graded novices, Graduation chases and handicaps, he remained a novice for this season, and we are reaping the benefits of that this season.  He won a novice at Haydock, was just touched off in a decent handicap at Aintree, and was a fine 3rd in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day.  Back in calmer waters he defied a penalty when winning another novice at Musselburgh last month.  He steps up in trip again in this competitive handicap, but that is where there should be more improvement.....he has a chance, with a bit of luck.

Up for Parol is a brother to the useful bumper winner Letsbeclearaboutit; out of unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before arriving with us last season and subsequently won a couple of novice hurdles.  He was 3rd in a Grade 2 on seasonal debut before disappointing on chasing debut.  Back over hurdles he won on his handicap debut, and was only beaten 8 lengths in the Lanzarote, but he hasn't appeared to stay 2m4.  Back over the minimum trip here, on a stiff track, he should run a very good race, and is a big price in this competitive handicap.

Nikolayeva is a full sistter to Timoshenko who won on hurdling debut for us, but then disappointed.  Nikolayeva was useful on the flat, and is a more straightforward individual than her brother.  She was a good 2nd on her hurdling debut at Ffos Las, and was a better 3rd last time out at Lingfield.  She has a workable mark for her handicap debut, and she should be competitive here. If she were to win, then this would be our clean sweep of winners at every jumps track in the UK....

Legends Ryde is out of a black type winning mare who won the Listed Mares Final at Newbury.  Legends Ryde won a bumper the and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to winning a novice hurdle.  She lost her way last season, but came back with a bang this time around with a comprehensive win on chasing debut in soft ground around Ffos Las, and followed that up with a strong performance to be 2nd in a good Graduation Chase at Ascot.  Her last two runs haven't been quite so good, but she has had a couple of excuses.  This looks her type of race, and on a going day, she'd have every chance.

Git Maker is out of a sister to a Black Type winner from a lovely French family. He was placed in three four-year-old points before he won impressively.  He started out under rules on the right foot with an authoritative win in a good maiden at Chepstow, and followed up under a penalty at Carlisle last time out.  Both horses that were 2nd to him have won since, and so the form looks very strong.  He looks to have a bright future as a staying chaser next season, however I hope there is scope off this mark over hurdles first.  The step up in trip on this track should suit him, and I think he has every chance to win again despite this looking quite a strong heat.

Alrightjack won a bumper and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts in the spring, and he won on seasonal debut this autumn.  He has struggled off higher marks in better races over 3 miles and 2m4 since, but back down in class, and in trip on softer ground, and in this style of race, I'd like to hope he can be seen to better effect.

Soldier of Destiny was beaten 5 lengths on his debut in an Irish point behind the subsequent Grade 1 performer Gentlemansgame, and he was then 2nd in a bumper, and 4th in a Punchestown novice hurdle. He was a disappointing 4th on hurdling debut in this country, but ran better when 5th on chasing debut.  He looked to show improved form on his first start after a wind op, and on handicap debut when bolting up at Ffos Las last time out.  Up 9lbs, he needs to improve again, but he's in fine form, and the step up to 3m should be in his favour.  He could be useful. 

Hardy Du Seuil is by Coastal Path from the family of Silviniaco Conti and Cheltenham Festival winner, Eglantine Du Seuil.  He was 2nd in two 3-year-old bumpers in France last season before he bolted up over hurdles at Fontainebleau on soft ground.  He has won two novice chases this season, and was 2nd last time out in a Grade 2.  He looks to have a decent chance here back in trip and back in a limited handicap, but he's got to step forward again as he no longer has his weight for age allowance.  He is in great form at home.

Datsalrightgino is by the high-class German-trained middle-distance performer, It’s Gino, who was 3rd in the Arc (the sire of Grade 1 winner hurdler and Grade 2 winning chaser, Lalor) and out of a 3-time winning ‘Group placed’ mare.  This full brother to a 9-time winner was 2nd in three bumpers last season, after finishing 3rd on his debut.  He had a wind operation over the summer, and has been unbeaten over hurdles this season.  He bolted up at Fontwell, and then ground out a victory at Cheltenham in December.  He got stuck in the deep ground at Sandown in the Grade 1 Tolworth hurdle, so we can draw a line through that run.  He is back in tip top form, and I look forward to seeing him in this Grade 2, however he wouldn't want the ground heavy - so might not run if it doesn't dry back to soft.

Present Value is by Gold Well out of a Presenting dam, and is a half-brother to the World Hurdle winner, Paisley Park.  He is new to us this season but previously, he won a novice hurdle and was placed in a couple of competitive novice handicap chases.  However, he took a nasty fall at Newbury, and his form deteriorated afterwards.  Thankfully his confidence returned, and he won on his debut for us at Leicester before Christmas on soft ground.  The ground and the track was a bit too quick for him when beaten 9 lengths at Huntingdon last time out.  Back on a stiffer track, and hopefully softer ground (if the rain comes in time), I'd like to think he goes there with a chance.

Ebonello is a gorgeous daughter of the champion sire, Presenting, out of Ravello Bay who was a useful black type winning Supreme Leader mare.  Ravello Bay won a bumper and a novice hurdle before finishing 2nd in the Listed Mares Novice Hurdle Final at Newbury.  Ebonello was 3rd on her racecourse debut at Ludlow, where the winner bolted up in a listed event at Cheltenham soon afterwards, and the 2nd horse (You Wear It Well, who we also train) won impressively last week.  Ebonello was green enough that day, and she'll have improved for that experience, and has the ability to win a bumper of this nature. 

Spitfire Girl is by Walk In The Park out of a black type winning sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner, Son Of Flicka. This filly is a half-sister to 3 winners including Bandit Country and the 135 rated Granny Biddy.  She was 2nd on her racecourse debut in a bumper last season, and was 2nd again on seasonal debut in soft ground around Fontwell.  I ran her back too quickly when she disappointed last time out at Ffos Las, when we rode her too aggressively too. She is fresh and well, and has improved again, and has a good each way chance in a deep race.

Legends Ryde is out of a black type winning mare who won the Listed Mares Final at Newbury.  Legends Ryde won a bumper the and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to winning a novice hurdle.  She lost her way last season, but came back with a bang this time around with a comprehensive win on chasing debut in soft ground around Ffos Las, and followed that up with a strong performance to be 2nd in a good Graduation Chase at Ascot.  She found 2m4 at Lingfield not to her liking the last day, when we rode her to positively.  The return to 3m here is a plus, and we'll ride her with more restraint here too, and I'd like to think she has a great chance of getting back on track again, albeit in a competitive race.

Super Survivor is out of a winning half-sister to triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate.  He made his pointing debut at Dromahane in May on soft ground, and was only beaten a head with 10 lengths back to the 3rd horse.  He jumps well, stays well, and is a proper staying chaser for the future.  A lovely horse, and this looks a nice opportunity for him to make his rules debut. 

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to a 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame, out of a bumper and multiple hurdle winner Cinderella Rose, who was a sister to the 143 rated Twelve Roses.  Rose O’Hara ran well to be placed in her first two bumpers last season but has taken time to come to hand this season.  She ran well enough on her hurdling debut behind todays favourite (in what turned out to be quite a good race) but she struggled in deep ground last time out where her wind caught her out.  She has had a wind operation since and will no doubt improve for this run, but its not a deep race and has a placed chance here.

Vive de Charnie is out of a winning half-sister to bumper winner Titus Andronicus, a half-sister to Maid Of Orleans and out of Group-placed sister to a Listed winner.  Vive de Charnie was 4th on her bumper debut in the spring, where she stayed on well up the Fontwell hill. She has had a few small issues this season, but we've rectified those, and she comes here in good form.  If she handles the heavy ground, then the 7lbs mares allowance could be useful.

Braveheart is by Westerner, the sire of multiple Grade 1 jumpers, out of a sister to four black typed horses: Group-placed 1m4f winner Armand, Guilder (Grade 2), Rock Gone (Grade3), and useful winner Goss (Grade 2).  He was 2nd in a bumper at Sedgefield and filled the runner up spot again at Taunton on his debut over hurdles.  However, he ran too freely the last day and didn't get home.  We've tinkered with his wind since, and he comes here a fresher horse.  We'll hold him up this time, and try to educate him.

Hogans Height is a six-time winner, who bolted up over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton in December 2019, but has largely struggled since.  However, that has been in the Grand National, the Becher chase, the cross country at the Festival etc. He appreciated dropping back down in class when winning the first Hunter Chase of the season at Ludlow on his latest start.  He is not getting any faster, but this looks the perfect opportunity for him to get his head in front again as he gets in here as the highest rated horse without a penalty, and so a reproduction of his latest effort should see him be very competitive. 

Park This One is by Walk In The Park (the sire of Champion jumpers Min and Douvan plus the very exciting Ginto & Jonbon) and is out of an unraced sister to the Listed and five time winner Santia (officially rated 139) and Lord Over who was 3rd in the Champion bumper at Punchestown.  He won a maiden Point-to-Point at Dunsmore near Exeter in November, in a very fast time, and looks a smart recruit to the team.  He stays well, has a great attitude, and will make up into a smart staying novice hurdler next season.  I'd like to think he can win a bumper on route, and he should be in the three here.

Anythingforlove is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sizing John, by Black Sam Bellamy.  Unbeaten in bumpers winning both her starts.  She progressed into a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning two novice hurdles before winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice Hurdle at Sandown.  She relished the step up to 3m when bolting up back over hurdles after a couple of runs over fences earlier this season, and was a good 2nd back in Listed company on her next start.  I ran her back too quickly on unsuitably good to soft ground at Ascot on her latest start....so back in her favoured heavy ground, she should run her race again, and with Archie taking 7lbs off her back, she might well be over priced.

Thomas Macdonagh won three races over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions. Unfortunately, he didn't take to the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton earlier this season, and took a while to get his confidence back.  However, he bounced back with a vengeance when only narrowly denied in the shadows of the post at Haydock on both his last two starts.  He should run his race again, and with a bit of luck go close again.

Up for Parol is a brother to the useful bumper winner Letsbeclearaboutit; out of unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before arriving with us last season and subsequently won a couple of novice hurdles.  He was 3rd in a Grade 2 on seasonal debut before disappointing on chasing debut.  Back over hurdles he won on his handicap debut, and was only beaten 8 lengths in the Lanzarotte last time out when nothing went his way.  Back in calmer waters here, he should have every chance of resuming winning ways.

Tallow for Coal is a brother to two black type winners and out of a sister to the useful staying chaser Occold and a half-sister to the dam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman.  He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before arriving with us last season.  He was placed in all three novice hurdles last season, but has really developed into a proper staying chaser this season winning two of his four starts.  He won well last time out on pretty soft ground at Exeter, and looks to be improving.  He'll have to be to account for an 8lbs rise, and this looks a competitive race, but he shouldn’t be too far away.
 

Nikolayeva is a full sistter to Timoshenko who won on hurdling debut for us, but then disappointed.  Nikolayeva was useful on the flat, and is a more straightforward individual than her brother.  She was a good 2nd on her hurdling debut at Ffos Las, and will appreciate this step up in trip.  She should improve for that run, and she should be competitive here.

Is a Midnight Legend filly out of a winning black type mare, who has produced three winners from four runners, including the five-time winner, Schiaparannie.  She was a fine 2nd on her racecourse debut in a warm event at Ludlow - the winner has won a listed contest at Cheltenham since.  That effort can be upgraded as she was too keen really.  If she can settle better here, then she looks to have a decent chance.  She is talented, and certainly has a bright future. 

Dusky Days is by Flemensfirth and is a full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper in the spring on his racecourse debut at Stratford and improved for his summer holiday when finishing 4th at Ascot in a Listed bumper.  He wasn't beaten far that day, and a repeat of that performance would put him right up there, but he'll need to improve again to win a race of this nature.

Soldier of Destiny was beaten 5 lengths on his debut in an Irish point behind the subsequent Grade 1 performer Gentlemansgame, and he was then 2nd in a bumper, and 4th in a Punchestown novice hurdle. He was a disappointing 4th on hurdling debut in this country, but ran better when 5th on chasing debut.  He isn't starting out on a nice mark here though, but he should improve for his wind op, and dropped in class.

Cornicello is a half-brother to various French winners, and his dam was a winning half-sister to a Group 2 winner over 1m6.  He won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2 before arriving in the UK.  He has been placed in all three hurdle starts including on handicap debut last time out when things didn't fall his way.  Its a tight race, but he is fit and well, and looks to be on a mark he can be very competitive off.

Git Maker is out of a sister to a Black Type winner from a lovely French family. He was placed in three four-year-old points before he won impressively.  He started out under rules on the right foot with an authoritative win in a good maiden at Chepstow, and looks to have a bright future as a staying chaser.  However, I hope he can win a few over hurdles first, and this looks a nice opportunity for him.  However, there are a couple of dangers lurking in the opposition here including a 4 year old filly getting all the allowances, so he's going to have to be on his A game.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs and is a staying chaser through and through. He was second in a bumper and won two novice hurdles before developing into a useful novice chaser last season. Despite being placed in Graded novices, Graduation chases and handicaps he remained a novice for this season and we are now reaping the benefits. He won his novice at Haydock, was just touched off in a decent handicap at Aintree and was a fine third in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day. Back in calmer waters here, he should have a better chance, but we're running over 2m4f when he probably wants 3m now. Should run his usual consistent race.

Alrightjack won a bumper and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts in the spring, and he won on seasonal debut this autumn.  He has struggled off higher marks in better races over 3 miles since, but back down in class, and in trip, he'd have a chance at a track he has run well at before, but he does need things to fall his way a bit.

Representing Bob is out of a winning Bob Back mare and from the family of the Gold Cup winner, Synchronised. Representing Bob wasn’t beaten far in a bumper, but looked green and backward in three hurdle starts last season.  However, he picked up a low handicap mark as a result, and the penny is beginning to drop with him.  He has won all three chase starts this season, and although he faces another 9lbs hike, he is an improving young staying chaser, and I'd hope he can continue to rise up through the ranks.  This will be his toughest test to date though as he is up in class.

Present Value is by Gold Well out of a Presenting dam, and is a half-brother to the World Hurdle winner, Paisley Park.  He is new to us this season but previously, he won a novice hurdle and was placed in a couple of competitive novice handicap chases.  However, he took a nasty fall at Newbury, and his form deteriorated afterwards.  Thankfully his confidence returned, and he won on his debut for us at Leicester last time out.  Up 5lbs for that run, but there should be more to come from him, and he is in great form at home.....there look to be a few in the race who are on the upgrade, but our chap should be too.....

Exod’ela has been placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before opening his account in handicap hurdles. He has run some fine races including only beaten 3 lengths in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham, but he has run some poor races too - it depends on which side of bed he gets out of in the morning! He ran well over 4m at Hexham earlier this season and this stamina test should suit him, as should the ground, and he is off a mark he can win off....he just needs to be on a going day!

Thomas Macdonagh won three races over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions. Unfortunately, he didn't take to the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton earlier this season, and took a while to get his confidence back.  However, he bounced back with a vengeance when only narrowly denied in the shadows of the post here last time out.  Dropping back to 2m here is an interesting angle, but his pedigree would suggest it might work and with the blinkers on, it could be the answer.....

Anythingforlove is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sizing John, by Black Sam Bellamy.  Unbeaten in bumpers winning both her starts.  She progressed into a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning two novice hurdles before winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice Hurdle at Sandown.  She relished the step up to 3m when bolting up back over hurdles after a couple of runs over fences, and was a good 2nd back in Listed company two weeks ago over 2m4.  She is unexposed over 3m, and although she would appear to have some ground to make up against some high class mares here, it's not without hope she can cause an upset.

Cornicello is by a new French sire who was a very precocious and high-class 2yo over 7 furlongs.  Cornicello is a half-brother to various French winners, and his dam was a winning half-sister to a Group 2 winner over 1m6.  He has won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2, and has been placed in both his juvenile hurdles.  He has picked up a handicap mark of 105, and we run him in this open handicap with a useful weight for age allowance too.  He has the potential to be superior to this mark, but will need a bit of luck in running in this big field handicap.

Hardy Du Seuil is by Coastal Path from the family of Silviniaco Conti and Cheltenham Festival winner, Eglantine Du Seuil.  He was 2nd in two 3-year-old bumpers in France last season before he bolted up over hurdles at Fontainebleau on soft ground.  He has won both his completed starts this season in novice handicaps, and deserves a step up into Graded company now especially whilst he still has a weight for age allowance.  That allowance puts him 3rd best on ratings, but he is an unexposed improver and we think he could be quite smart.....but he'll have to be to beat the favourite. 

Is out of a black type winning mare who won the Listed Mares Final at Newbury.  Legends Ryde won a bumper the and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to winning a novice hurdle.  She lost her way last season, but came back with a bang this time around with a comprehensive win on chasing debut in soft ground around Ffos Las, and followed that up with a strong performance to be 2nd in a good Graduation Chase at Ascot last time out (the winner won the Dipper on his next start).  Legends Ryde is in great form ahead of this race, which looks competitive as you'd expect for the £45k prize money, but I'd like to think she can be in the mix here. 

Sea the Clouds is out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4 winner Akarem.  He is a full brother to My Mate Mozzie, who looks a smart individual.  Sea the Clouds was a good 2nd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Fakenham.  He has improved for that run, and he should be capable of winning a bumper, and should be very competitive here.

A six-time winner, who bolted up over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton in December 2019, but has largely struggled since.  However, that has been in the Grand National, the Becher chase, the cross country at the Festival etc.  He's not the horse of old, but he's dropping down into Hunter Chases now, and he should appreciate the less competitive nature of these types of races.

Up For Parol is a brother to the useful Letsbeclearaboutit; he is out of an unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before winning two novice hurdles last season over 2m.  He was 3rd in the Grade 2 Persian War on seasonal debut and we tried him chasing on his next start.  That didn't really work, but he appreciated being back over hurdles and won on handicap debut at Haydock last time out.  A super jumper, who travels well in his races, I think he could be well suited to Kempton, and should still be off a winnable mark as he is improving.   This £100k race is obviously competitive, but we go there with the team in top form, and have a chance.......

Tallow for Coal is a brother to two black type winners and out of a sister to the useful staying chaser Occold and a half-sister to the dam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman.  He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before arriving with us last season.  He was placed in all three novice hurdles last season, but proved a different proposition over fences and won nicely in the autumn.  Up 6lbs he ran with credit to be 4th last time out, in a race which has worked out well.  Should run his race again here, but might be vulnerable to a better handicapped rival.

You Wear It Well is Midnight Legend filly out of a winning black type mare, who has produced three winners from four runners, including the five-time winner, Schiaparannie.  This filly was in pre-training last season in Ireland and goes well at home.  She will have a bright future, but she is still quite raw, and immature.  I like her a lot, but this is all about an education and she will improve and progress in time.

Ebonello is a gorgeous daughter of the champion sire, Presenting, out of Ravello Bay who was a useful black type winning Supreme Leader mare.  Ravello Bay won a bumper and a novice hurdle before finishing 2nd in the Listed Mares Novice Hurdle Final at Newbury.  This filly had a year of pre training before arriving with us in the autumn.  She goes well at home, and is more than capable of winning a race of this nature, so long as she isn't too green on her racecourse debut.

Datsalrightgino is by the high-class German-trained middle-distance performer, It’s Gino, who was 3rd in the Arc (the sire of Grade 1 winner hurdler and Grade 2 winning chaser, Lalor) and out of a 3-time winning ‘Group placed’ mare.  This full brother to a 9-time winner was 2nd in three bumpers last season, after finishing 3rd on his debut.  He had a wind operation over the summer, and has been unbeaten over hurdles this season.  He bolted up at Fontwell, and then ground out a victory at Cheltenham in December.  He is improving and has the highest official rating in the line up!  However, the favourite looked mightily impressive on his only start under rules, and there are a handful of exciting novices in opposition who are totally unexposed.  A tight race, but Gino is in great form, and looks massively over priced at 16/1.

Anythingforlove is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sizing John, by Black Sam Bellamy.  Unbeaten in bumpers winning both her starts.  She progressed into a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning two novice hurdles before winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice Hurdle over this course and distance.  She never had her favoured soft ground in two starts over fences this autumn, but returned to testing ground when bolting up in a handicap hurdle at Ffos Las over 3m last time out.  She is in great form, and will run her race, but has to carry a penalty here for her Grade 2 win, and is 'wrong at the weights' here with some of these.  However, she is tough and game and you can't rule her out of this.....

Git Maker is a son of Saddler Maker (sire of Grade 1 winners, Bristol De Mai and Apple’s Jade etc) is out of a sister to a Black Type winner from a lovely French family. He has a wonderfully progressive profile having been placed in three four-year-old points in the autumn on heavy ground, he was given a break and then bolted up on soft ground at Necarne, where he earnt himself a very impressive rating of 92+.  He stays well, jumps great and is a proper future staying chaser, but he can win over hurdles first.  This looks a competitive race, but our chap comes here in good form for his racecourse debut.

Nikolayeva is a full sistter to Timoshenko who won on hurdling debut for us, but then disappointed.  Nikolayeva was useful on the flat, and is a more straightforward individual than her brother.  She jumps well enough to be winning over obstacles, and seems to enjoy soft ground.  This doesn't look a strong event, so if she can get into a jumping rhythm, then she'll have a chance here.

This Presenting gelding is out of a winning dam, and is a half-brother to a couple of useful winners.  He was beaten 5 lengths on his debut in an Irish point behind the subsequent Grade 1 performer Gentlemansgame, and he was then 2nd in a bumper, and 4th in a Punchestown novice hurdle.   He won an English point, and was 4th in a novice hurdle at Ascot, but has been waiting to go chasing.  Unfortunately we haven't got a handicap mark yet, and this looks a tough chasing introduction, but we've got to start somewhere.

Stoney Mountain is a a half-brother to two winners, out of a half-sister to the smart chaser The Nightingale.  However, Stoney didn't appear a natural over a fence last season, and it ended up being a season to forget.  He came back in serious form this season to win on seasonal debut back over hurdles, and was 4th last time out in a Grade 3 when nothing went his way in running.  He can win off this mark, and with a clear run today he looks massively over priced.

No Anxiety is out of a Listed Bumper and dual novice hurdle winner that we trained, and from the family of the very smart bumper/2m hurdle/chase winner Snap Tie (rated 160).  No Anxiety was placed over hurdles, but really came into his own when we sent him chasing and he won on handicap debut in May, and followed up again at Hereford this autumn.  His progression hit a stumbling block last time out when he bled.  However, freshened up since, he goes here in great form.  The soft ground here is an unknown, but it might just help him and if it does, then he has a decent chance to resume winning ways again.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada.  Valamix had one educational run a month ago, where he jumped off 11 lengths behind the leader, they went a dordle on good ground and then sprinted, and he was beaten 11 lengths!  It was a silly race!  However, with that "racecourse gallop" under his belt now, and with softer ground which is sure to help, I think he is massively over priced as he goes well enough to win a bumper.....

Alrightjack won his bumper and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts this spring, and after back surgery he won at Fontwell on seasonal debut in the autumn.  He ran well stepped up in class and trip last time out at Newbury, and would have an each way chance here despite being off a high enough mark.

Thomas Macdonagh won three races over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions. Unfortunately, he didn't take to the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton earlier this season, and he is therefore on a comeback mission having run no sort of race the last day.  However, we've mixed things up with him at home and he is in great form now.  He's off a very attractive handicap mark now, he loves this soft ground, and he has gone well over course and distance, so he has a few things going for him IF he can bounce back this time.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper last season at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle in May, and has since been placed in a couple of handicaps.  However, things haven't fallen his way, and the handicapper has given him a chance.  This could be quite an open race, but he would have a chance with a bit of luck.

Representing Bob is out of a winning Bob Back mare and from the family of the Gold Cup winner, Synchronised. Representing Bob wasn’t beaten far in a bumper, but looked green and backward in three hurdle starts last season.  However, he picked up a low handicap mark as a result, and benefited by winning his first two chase starts and was only just denied the hat trick attempt back over hurdles last time out.  Given a short break, he should resume in the same form now stepped up in trip as well.

Is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia; and from the family of De Soto who was 2nd in the Champion bumper, and 4th in the Supreme Novices.  Midnight Centurion was 2nd in both his bumper starts last season, and filled the runners up spot on his hurdling debut.  He didn't appreciate the way we rode him last time when he was 4th, but he should improve for this step up in trip.  He looks to have every chance again here.

Bucksome is a brother to Bucko’s Boy and out of a winning half-sister to the useful staying chaser West Of The Edge.  He had a year in training but wasn’t ready to run, he has strengthened up a bit now, and can hopefully follow in his brother’s footsteps by winning a bumper.  Hopefully he is strong enough to handle this soft ground on his racecourse debut.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a sister to the Grand National winner, Ballabriggs.  Having won twice over hurdles, he was placed in some decent chases, both in Graded novices, and in competitive handicaps, before deservedly getting his head in front last time out in a novice chase at Haydock.  He is up against it here on ratings, and would have 20lbs to find with the top two, but there is excellent prize money on offer here, and you never know what might happen in a novice chase?

Cornicello is by a new French sire who was a very precocious and high-class 2yo over 7 furlongs.  Cornicello is a half-brother to various French winners, and his dam was a winning half-sister to a Group 2 winner over 1m6.  He has won twice from 6 starts on the flat over 1m2, and was a good 3rd on hurdling debut at Ffos las behind a very useful winner.  Our chap has improved for that run, he handles cut in the ground, and although the favourite looks pretty useful, I'd like to think we can give him a race.....

Exod'ela is by Saddler Maker out of a Robin des Champs mare.  Exod’ela has been placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before opening his account in handicap hurdles the season before last.  He ran some solid races last season, and has taken to fences well enough this season finishing 4th on both occasions.  He found 4m a touch far last time, but he stays well and this trip should work out well for him.  A competitive race, but he's on a nice mark and he should be up to winning one of these before long - hopefully today....

Fact of the Matter has been a legend over the years and has won on six occasions the last time was at Cheltenham over the cross country fences in 2018. He's since been running in some big races across the continent including the Belgium Grand National. He missed a big part of last season due to an injury but he's re found his form this autumn as his handicap mark has slipped to a winnable mark. He was a fine 2nd at Cheltenham at the opening meeting in October, but struggled in a better race there last month. Back in a lower class of race here, he should have every chance of resuming his progress here providing the ground isn't too soft.

Up for Parol is a brother to the useful bumper winner Letsbeclearaboutit; out of unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before arriving with us mid-season.  He didn’t quite see out 2m4 on his hurdling debut when 4th at Doncaster, but appreciated the drop back to 2m when winning at Wetherby and again under a penalty at Ffos Las. He was 3rd in the Grade 2 Persian War on seasonal debut, but didn't really take to chasing last time at Ffos Las, where he came back with a couple of nasty over reaches.  Back over hurdles again, in great form, and off a workable handicap mark, this looks a suitable race for him.  It is competitive, but he goes there with a great chance.

Is out of a black type winning mare who won the Listed Mares Final at Newbury.  Legends Ryde won a bumper the previous season and was 2nd in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham prior to winning a novice hurdle.  Covid interrupted her progression, and she struggled to recapture her form last season due to wind issues, and an irregular heart beat as well.  She had a good summer break, and was an impressive winner on debut over fences at Ffos Las 6 weeks ago.  We've given her plenty of time to get over that, and she comes here in great form.  However, it is a very competitive race!  She does receive 11lbs being a novice and a mare, so she has the potential to run a big race here at long odds.

Dusky Days is a full brother to the good stayer, Fontsanta.  He is out of a half-sister to useful bumper/2m-2m1f hurdle winner Dusky Lord who herself was out of a sister to high-class jumper Deep Sensation.  Dusky Days won a bumper in the spring on his racecourse debut, at Stratford, overcoming greenness to win in determined fashion.  He works well, and is ready to go novice hurdling, but having only had one run he needs some more experience.  This listed heat is a very competitive race as you’d expect, but he’s a tough individual who should run his race – a top 6 finish would be great.

Soldier Of Destiny is a Presenting gelding is out of a winning dam, and is a half-brother to a couple of useful winners.  He was beaten 5 lengths on his debut in an Irish point behind the subsequent Grade 1 performer Gentlemansgame, and he was then 2nd in a bumper, and 4th in a Punchestown novice hurdle.  He won an English Point-to-Point at Ffos Las a month ago, and is an interesting recruit to our yard. He works well, and is a cracking jumper so will make up into a cracking novice chaser.  This looks a tight race, but he shouldn’t be too far away. 

Anythingforlove is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sizing John, by Black Sam Bellamy.  Unbeaten in bumpers winning both her starts.  She progressed into a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning two novice hurdles before winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice Hurdle at Sandown.   She has been placed in two novice chases this season, but they have been on good to soft ground, and she just relishes heavy ground, so the conditions haven't played to her strengths.  She has them today, back over hurdles, but she is carrying a lot of weight, so we're taking 7lbs off with a young jockey......if it all clicks today, then she is the class horse in the race and she could upset the favourite.

Present Value is by Gold Well out of a Presenting dam, and is a half-brother to the World Hurdle winner, Paisley Park.  He is new to us this season but previously, he won a novice hurdle and was placed in a couple of competitive novice handicap chases.  However, he took a nasty fall at Newbury, and hasn’t shown much form since.  If he can recapture some of his old form then he should be off an attractive handicap mark.

Leading Ewe On is by the Ascot Gold Cup and St.Leger winner, Leading Light, this mare is a half-sister to the Cheltenham Festival Grand Annual winner, Croco Bay and four-time winner, Thistle Do Nicely.  She was placed in a bumper last season, but has rather struggled to cope with the rigours of training.  She has at least got a low handicap mark now for her handicap debut, and if she can show something, then today should be the day of an improved showing.

Braveheart is by Westerner, the sire of multiple Grade 1 jumpers, out of a sister to four black typed horses: Group-placed 1m4f winner Armand, Guilder (Grade 2), Rock Gone (Grade3), and useful winner Goss (Grade 2).  He was 2nd in a bumper at Sedgefield and filled the runner up spot again at Taunton over hurdles last month.  This looks a slighter deeper race, but if he can step forward from the last day then he should be in the mix once again.

Hardy Du Seuil is by Coastal Path from the family of Silviniaco Conti and Cheltenham Festival winner, Eglantine Du Seuil.  He was 2nd in two 3-year-old bumpers in France last season before he bolted up over hurdles at Fontainebleau.  He fell on his chasing debut, but then bolted up next time out at Carlisle.  He then unseated when looking likely to take a hand on his latest start on handicap debut.  He has done lots and lots of schooling since, and he jumps well - so frustrating that he has two letters next door to his name alongside the two wins.  I like this horse a lot, and once it all clicks, he will be a smart performer.  Let's hope it clicks today, and he is too big a price here!

Datsalrightgino is by the high-class German-trained middle-distance performer, It’s Gino, who was 3rd in the Arc (the sire of Grade 1 winner hurdler and Grade 2 winning chaser, Lalor) and out of a 3-time winning ‘Group placed’ mare.  This full brother to a 9-time winner was 2nd in three bumpers last season, after finishing 3rd on his debut.  He had a wind operation over the summer, and won on his hurdling debut last time out.  He looked impressive there, and I think he can develop into a smart prospect.  This looks a very warm race as you'd expect, but he looks over priced at 10-1 as he arguably has the 2nd best bit of form in the race.

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Hereford. He has taken a while to get the hang of jumping, but the penny is slowly dropping.  He should get the message before long, and then he can be competitive.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to the three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Best Mate, and the Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel, as well as the multiple winner Inca Trail.  College Oak won a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning a competitive handicap at Ascot.  Things haven't quite fallen right for him this season over fences, but the ability remains, and if he gets the rub of the green, then he has every chance of going close today, albeit in a competitive race.

Thomas Macdonagh won three over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions. He didn't take to the National fences when 7th in the Grand Sefton on his seasonal debut, and will appreciate back over conventional fences today.  He loves soft ground, so I hope the rain comes in time today, but I'm not sure if he'll handle the track - if he does, and if the rain comes in time, then he's off a very workable mark. 

Thomas Macdonagh won three over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions. He didn't take to the National fences when 7th in the Grand Sefton on his seasonal debut, and will appreciate back over conventional fences today.  He loves soft ground, so I hope the rain comes in time today, but I'm not sure if he'll handle the track - if he does, and if the rain comes in time, then he's off a very workable mark. 

Is a brother to two black type winners and out of a sister to the useful staying chaser Occold and a half-sister to the dam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman.  He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before arriving with us last season.  He was placed in all three novice hurdles last season, and was 3rd on his chasing debut at Newton Abbot in October.  He stepped forwards from that to win last time out at Worcester, and he looks as though he is improving.  He should run well again here despite the 4lbs rise in the handicap, and carrying top weight.  Page rides him well, and is on board again here.

Is a six-time winner, who bolted up over the Grand National fences in the Grand Sefton in December 2019, but unfortunately Covid put pay to a tilt at the Grand National in 2020.  He didn’t have a straightforward time last season with an interrupted training schedule; however, we did manage to get him to the Grand National and he was 2nd of the British trained runners to get home – 12th overall.  He has had a clear run this time around, with a spin over hurdles to warm up, a run around the track in the Grand Sefton which was run on ground too quick for him, and he goes here with a great chance.  He is just a couple of pounds higher than when winning the Grand Sefton, and the step up in trip on softer ground should help, and the stars are beginning to align!

Is out of a sister to French winners, this gelding is a half-brother to the 130 rated Darling Maltaix. Having been placed in a couple of bumpers, he looked to be in with every chance when coming down at the last on his hurdling debut. He subsequently finished 2nd on his next start, but came back with an injury to his knee and has been off since. He has done plenty of work and is ready to run, but will obviously improve for the outing. However, his hurdle form is possibly the best in the line up, so if he can return anywhere near his best then he shouldn't be too far away.

Kiltealy Briggs is out of a sister to the Grand National winner, Ballabriggs, this strapping individual looks a chaser through and through.  He was 2nd on his racecourse debut in a bumper, and won two novice hurdles before he was 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham.  After an interrupted summer, he was placed in a Grade 2 Novice chase last season but remains a novice over fences for this season. He improved on his seasonal return to be a fine 2nd last time out in a competitive Aintree handicap, and has another chance to get his head in front today back in novice company.  It looks a tight race on paper, but he goes there in top form.

Midnight Centurion is out of a half-sister to the very useful bumper/hurdle/chase winner Centasia; and from the family of De Soto who was 2nd in the Champion bumper, and 4th in the Supreme Novices.  Midnight Centurion was 2nd in both his bumper starts last season, and filled the same position on his hurdling debut.  He'll improve for that run, and should go close again here with the Skelton horse the obvious danger.

Alrightjack previously won a bumper and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts in the spring.  He was subsequently found to have kissing spines, and has therefore been operated on over the summer, and resumed winning ways on seasonal return at Fontwell earlier this month.  He is up 4lbs for that effort, and now is up in class too, as well as trip.  He didn't appear to stay 3 miles when we tried him a couple of years ago, but he is older and stronger now, so hopefully this might bring about some more improvement too.  This looks competitive, as you'd expect for the prize money.

Valamix is by Valirann (an Aga Khan bred sire - top rated 3yr old stayer in France in 2013), out of an unraced mare who is closely related to the black type performers The Duke's Speech (rated 130) and Bleak House (rated 128); her dam won a bumper and was out of half-sister to Grand Criterium (Grade 1) winner Danishkada. Valamix was ready to run in the spring but the ground was too quick, and he has been waiting for a bit of nicer ground this autumn.  He goes well at home and is a horse with a nice future ahead of him. He should run well here on debut.

is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper last season at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle in May, and was a decent 2nd on his handicap debut.  Back from a break he was 4th in a class 2 event last week, but he whipped around at the start and lost every chance there.  He should be very competitive here today.

Won this Grade 3 contest in 2019 off 138, he won again off 138 last time out at Newbury, and runs here off a career high mark of 142. However, he only just does enough when in front, and was value for a wider margin of victory the last day, so I'd hope he can be very competitive off this mark.  Obviously, this is a warm event as you'd expect a £100,000 handicap to be, but he comes here with the yard in good form, and with a decent each-way chance.

Is a smart prospect. He made amends for falling at the first on debut for us by winning impressively last time out.  He makes his handicap debut here off a workable mark and his weight for age allowance makes this race quite interesting. He could be a bit better than his mark and with a clear round I think he could be quite exciting.

Leading Ewe On was placed in a bumper, but hasn't been the easiest to train. She might find her level once in handicaps up in trip but she needs to show more really.

Spitfire Girl is by Walk In The Park out of a black type winning sister to the Cheltenham Festival winner, Son Of Flicka. This filly is a half-sister to 3 winners including Bandit Country and the 135 rated Granny Biddy. She was 2nd on her racecourse debut in a bumper last season, and was 2nd again on seasonal debut in soft ground around Fontwell. She is good enough to win a bumper and although this looks competitive, if she steps forward again she should be thereabouts.

Exod’ela had been placed in bumpers and novice hurdles, before opening his account on handicap debut.  He ran some fine races last season including only beaten 3 lengths in a competitive handicap at Cheltenham, but he has run some poor races too.  He ran ok on chasing debut when 4th at Worcester, when he was outpaced but stayed on strongly. This step up to 4m is an interesting angle, and if he stays then he is handicapped to run well, if on a going day!

Sea the Clouds is Out of an unraced half-sister to the Group 2 winner over 1m, Echo Of Light, and Listed 1m4f winner Akarem.  Sea the Clouds is a half-brother to Contented who has won over hurdles and fences, and a full brother to My Mate Mozzie who won a Point, a Punchestown Bumper, and is two from two over hurdles!  Sea the Clouds has done plenty of work, and goes well at home.  This is an informative event, but he shouldn't be too far away on this racecourse debut.

Is by the high-class German-trained middle-distance performer, It’s Gino, who was 3rd in the Arc (the sire of Grade 1 winner hurdler and Grade 2 winning chaser, Lalor) and out of a 3-time winning ‘Group placed’ mare.  This full brother to a 9-time winner was 2nd in three bumpers last season, after finishing 3rd on his debut.  He has had a wind operation over the summer, and goes novice hurdling this season.  He jumps well, works well, and is a useful individual.  This doesn't look a race packed with strength in depth, but the favourite looks good too. Interesting.

A half-sister to the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Sizing John, by Black Sam Bellamy.  Unbeaten in bumpers winning both her starts.  She progressed into a top-class novice hurdler last season, winning two novice hurdles before winning the Grade 2 Jane Seymour Novice Hurdle at Sandown. She was 4th on  her seasonal return when making her chasing debut, where she would have been 3rd but for a bad mistake at the last.  She is better off with the favourite this time around, and providing there is some decent cut in the ground, then she should run a big race here, and looks overpriced.

The winner of a bumper and five chases, he proved a revelation when we sent him over the cross-country fences winning at Cheltenham in December 2018. Despite being placed in the Belgium Grand National, and running some good races in the meantime, he hasn’t won since that day at Cheltenham. However, he has run some good races this summer to be placed on 5 occasions including when 2nd here in October. He loves the track at Cheltenham, and comes here in good form despite being 2lbs out of the handicap.

Tallow for Coal is a brother to two black type winners and out of a sister to the useful staying chaser Occold and a half-sister to the dam of the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Denman.  He won a maiden Irish point-to-point before arriving with us last season.  He was placed in all three novice hurdles last season, and again on his chasing debut a month ago.  He loves soft ground and providing Worcester is soft enough, then he'll run his race once again, and with a bit of luck be involved at the end of the race.

Braveheart is by Westerner, the sire of multiple Grade 1 jumpers, out of a sister to four black typed horses: Group-placed 1m4f winner Armand, Guilder (Grade 2), Rock Gone (Grade3), and useful winner Goss (Grade 2).  He was 2nd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at Sedgefield, where he ran well and was clear of the 3rd placed horse.  He jumps really well, and is a future chaser.  This is a starting point out over hurdles, but I didn't think it looked the strongest of races and he'd certainly have a chance here if he's not outpaced by a speedier flat horse inside the final furlong.

Bucko's Boy is out of a mare we used to train who won a couple of bumpers and over hurdles, this son of Midnight Legend won a bumper last season at Hexham.  After a couple of frustrating falls over hurdles, he won a maiden hurdle in May, and has since been placed in a handicap.  He is in great form at home and comes into this valuable race off bottom weight.

No Anxiety is out of a Listed Bumper and dual novice hurdle winner that we trained, and from the family of the very smart bumper/2m hurdle/chase winner Snap Tie (rated 160).  No Anxiety was placed over hurdles, but really came into his own when we sent him chasing and he won on handicap debut.  He followed up back here on his seasonal reappearance and comes back off 5lbs higher mark.  He looks as though he is improving, and can hopefully take another step forward today.

Arbennig is by the four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner, Yeats and out of a winning sister to the Grade 1 winning Rubi Light, who won the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase, and was rated 168!  He was 3rd on his racecourse debut in a bumper at this track.  He probably needed his run the last day more so than we thought, and this looks an easier opportunity.  Hopefully he can run well here.

Is a son of Kayf Tara out of a Listed winning Moscow Society mare who is a half-sister to the 2015 Irish National winner Thunder And Roses and Kerry National winner Wrath Of Titans.  Ottoman Style is a half-brother of the 151-rated Grade 3 winner Brahma Bull and multiple winners Grand Mogul and Global Society.  He opened his account at Borris House on 29th November at the first time of asking, where he gained a very high Irish Point rating of 90.  He ran well on hurdling debut to be 3rd at Fontwell over this trip, but looked to tire inside the final 100yds - if he can improve on that run then he would have a chance here.

Is a brother to the useful Letsbeclearaboutit; out of unraced sister to the smart West Coast Time.  Up For Parol won an Irish Point before arriving with us mid-season.  He didn’t quite see out 2m4 on his hurdling debut when 4th at Doncaster, but appreciated the drop back to 2m when winning at Wetherby and again under a penalty at Ffos Las. He was 3rd in the Grade 2 Persian War on his seasonal debut last month, and will improve for that run.  Back over 2m here, and on his chasing debut, he runs in a handicap for the first time off 129, from which he should be competitive.

A six-time winner, who bolted up in this race in December 2019 off a mark of 134, but unfortunately Covid put pay to a tilt at the Grand National in 2020.  He didn’t have a straightforward time last season with an interrupted training schedule; however, we did manage to get him to the Grand National and he was 2nd of the British trained runners to get home – 12th overall. He needed his prep run over hurdles last time out and comes here in good form, but needs a career best to win this off 138.

Thomas Macdonagh won three over hurdles the season before last.  He won a novice chase last season and was placed on three other occasions, in races that are working out quite well.  He runs here off a mark of 130, which is 6lbs lower than his hurdles mark.  He jumps well, and schooled great over the National fences here in Lambourn last week.  I had planned to get a prep run into him before this, but the lack of rain has meant we come here without one - but he has done plenty of work here, and is in tip top shape.  I hope its soft enough here for him, as he does like it heavy.

Won a brace over hurdles and was placed in a couple of Graded novice hurdles.  After an interrupted summer of 2020, he was placed in a Grade 2 Novice chase last season but remains a novice over fences for this season.  He ran well on his seasonal debut, but had a good blow and will improve with that run under his belt.  He comes here in good form, and off a winnable mark.

won three chases in relatively quick succession several seasons back, but he struggled off higher marks subsequently.  He has slipped back to an attractive mark and has been knocking on the door again this summer.  He isn't getting any younger now, but can hopefully be competitive here.

Alrightjack won a bumper at this track and a novice hurdle, before finishing 4th in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy at Chepstow.  He struggled over fences last season but came back to form with two solid placed efforts this spring.  He was subsequently found to have kissing spines, and has therefore been operated on over the summer.  I'd like to think he can resume in the form of his spring efforts and go close here.

Had a torrid time last season.  He didn't really take to chasing, and had a few niggly injuries.  He ran well at Aintree, although he had no luck in-running, and was staying on well at the line.  We plan to qualify for the final at Cheltenham so a top 6 finish is the plan, and he will improve for this run, but I'd like to think he might have a placed chance here none the less.

has won two handicap chases this season off marks of 83, and 89.  He has gone up to a mark of 98 over fences, but we've managed to get him in here back over hurdles off a mark of 84.  If he can translate his improvement back over the smaller obstacles, and this run doesn't come too soon off the back of those victories, then he should have an excellent chance of notching up the hat trick.  There are some unexposed horses in opposition, so let’s hope there isn't something else more than 14lbs 'well in'.

Was placed in a bumper last season, but hasn't been the most straightforward to train.  She is a bit of a work in progress, and needed her hurdling debut.  She should improve for that run, and could run into a place today if everything goes her way, but is probably one for further down the line.

Rose O'Hara is a half-sister to 2m hurdle winner Rose To Fame from a good jumps family. She ran well to be placed in two bumpers but her form rather fell away at the end of the season. Rose O'Hara has had a good long break and jumps well so I'm looking forward to the campaign with her. This race looks hot enough but hopefully she can run into a place and then progress through the winter.

Legends Ryde is out of a mare who won the Mares' Final at Newbury. She won a bumper and was then second in the Listed bumper at Cheltenham before Covid interrupted her progress. Since then she's struggled with her wind and also an irregular heart beat, but hopefully those problems are behind her. She's back looking every inch a chaser and hopefully she can start to justifty that opinion today.

Cornicello is by Penny's Picnic, who was a very fast and precocious two-year-old in France but seems to get horses that stay better than he did. This horse is related to various winners in France with more stamina on the dam's side. He won twice on the Flat over ten furlongs and jumps well. Interesting to see how he goes in what looks a competitive juvenile hrdle.

College Oak is out of a winning sister to three-time Gold Cup hero Best Mate and Grade 1 winning hurdler Cornish Rebel. He won a bumper and a novice hurdle before gaining victory in a competitive handicap at Ascot. He went chasing at Fontwell last month but hated the deep ground but on good to soft today I think he has a great chance back on his last winning mark.