Author: Joel Roberts

3m½f (3m149y) JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Flooring Porter was much the best at Cheltenham for the second year running but Aintree is an altogether different test and his exertions might level the playing field – he was very disappointing at Punchestown last year. THYME…

2m4f Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) I was sweet on WALKING ON AIR as a Ballymore contender before he was ruled out, and nothing puts me off here. He was uber impressive on debut and has always been spoken of by connections as a…

2m4f 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) A non-runner when put up at Ascot earlier this year, HIGHWAY ONE O TWO is worth an each-way bet in the opener. His Lanzarote Hurdle form – for which he only went up 1lb –…

2m4f (2m3f200y) (Mildmay) SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I’m not sure what PIC D’ORHY needs to do to be favourite here. He’s 7/2 and the clear form pick – confirmed by official ratings who have him 5lb ahead of next best. Flat tracks really suit him and…

1m  Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Nakheel (Group 2) (Dirt)  (3yo+) Having lowered the Meydan 7f track record not once but twice this season, STORM DAMAGE is surely the best horse in this race based off his turf form. The big question is whether he can translate that to the dirt and stay the mile…

1m  Godolphin Mile Sponsored By Nakheel (Group 2) (Dirt)  (3yo+) Having lowered the Meydan 7f track record not once but twice this season, STORM DAMAGE is surely the best horse in this race based off his turf form. The big question is whether he can translate that to the dirt and stay…

3m2½f (3m2f70y) (New) Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Last year’s Gold Cup saw A Plus Tard and Minella Indo surpass the form of dual winner Al Boum Photo, and to me that is the standard everything else have to reach. For me, only one horse has reached that…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Ridiculously competitive as ever but I’m quite sweet on the chances of GUA DU LARGE at 33/1. He weaved through traffic to land a competitive handicap at Fairyhouse and the form has worked out really well.…

3m (2m7f213y) (New) Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) With good, verging on fast, ground for the Mares’ Hurdle on Tuesday and heavy going on the Thursday, connections of ROYAL KAHALA must be very smug about their decision to go for the Stayers’ Hurdle. She’s a big unit who will…

2m5f (Old) Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Not the best renewal of my favourite betting race of the Festival, and the looming rain makes this tough to call at the time of writing. One horse who is on my shortlist who won’t want the going…