Author: Joel Roberts

3m1f (3m210y) (Mildmay) Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I don’t think DANCING CITY likes Cheltenham. Twice he’s disappointed at the track and maybe he shouldn’t be judged on his efforts there. He won three Grade 1s over hurdles including one…

2m4f William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) KOPECK DE MEE has the potential to blow this handicap field apart off a mark of 136. He was all the rage for the Martin Pipe and a huge antepost gamble – connections clearly thought he was a…

2m4f (2m3f200y) (Mildmay) EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) This is really competitive. Arkle winner Jango Baie has an outstanding chance with course, distance and conditions to suit but he’s well found in the market and won’t drift much. The bet is GIDLEIGH PARK…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) We’ve already backed KARGESE antepost here off the strength of her Grade 1 juvenile form behind Majborough and Sir Gino, and the anticipation of Paul Townend riding her. That’s looking spot on right now but…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) The brilliant Galopin Des Champs goes for his third Gold Cup and odds of 4/7 look fair with only eight opponents and a clear class edge on all known form. He looks as good as ever this season and I…

2m4½f (2m4f127y) (New) TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Jagwar is all the rage but he has to prove as effective with a 7lb rise in deeper waters. I like two in this race. JORDANS has some classy Grade 1 novice chasing form behind Impaire Et Passe and is only…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB) (Class 1) (4yo+) 24 runners makes this really tough. You have to be brave to take a short price about Sixandahalf and I suspect each-way is the best way to play here. AIR OF ENTITLEMENT is a…

2m (1m7f199y) (Old) BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Everyone in racing wants Jonbon to win because he apparently deserves it, but his record at the Festival confirms he’s beatable and the record of favourites for this race gives plenty of confidence in taking him on. The only horse…

2m5f (Old) Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Registered As The Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Final Demand and The New Lion are contrasting types at the top of market, and both have excellent chances. Drying ground gives the big staying chaser type Final Demand something to think about and my…

2m5f (Old) Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) I’ve long fancied BEAT THE BAT to be a handicap winner in waiting and the signs are very positive that this has been a long-term plan. He’s clearly wanting an intermediate trip but connections have mark minded him by running him…