Author: Paul Davidson

2m Ladbrokes Hurdle (Extended Handicap Hurdle) (Grade B) Advanced Virgo is out to provide Charles Byrnes with a fourth consecutive win in the Ladbrokes Hurdle, which looks as competitive as ever. Advanced Virgo won a valuable Grade A Handicap Hurdle back at Fairyhouse in November, but back in third on…

Cap Du Nord will be all the rage for this after his impressive second to Cheltenham bound Royal Pagaille in a Class 2 handicap at Kempton over the Christmas period. Cap Du Nord’s markedly improved form has been quite remarkable and he now races off a 15lbs higher work for…

Let’s hope the rescheduled meeting of the Welsh Grand National goes ahead on Saturday having been called off just after Christmas. Secret Reprieve absolutely hosed-up to win the Trial for this race back in early December. He comes into this carrying a 4lbs penalty, but is actually 8lbs well-in on…

3m Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) A fascinating trial for the Stayers Hurdle with Sire Du Berlais currently 15/8 favourite. He steps in to Grade 1 company for the first time and deservedly so. No eight-year-old has won this for some time and I’m not sure he should be favourite…

3m Paddy Power Chase (Extended Handicap Chase) (Grade B) The former 2018 Triumph Hurdle winner, FARCLAS, put in an encouraging reappearance run in a second season handicap chase last month after a 522 day absence. He finished second to Espoir d’Allen over two miles on this course a couple of…

2m1f Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1)  A competitive-looking renewal of the Racing Post Novice Chase over at Leopardstown. Won last year by Notebook, Gigginstown are looking for another success in this race with the 2019 Supreme Novice hurdle fifth Felix Desjy currently a warm favourite. He has looked a…

2m3½f Matchbook Betting Exchange Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1) Asterion Forlonge is currently a short-priced favourite for the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase on Boxing Day at Limerick. A Grade 1 winning hurdler, Asterion Forlonge looked good on debut but still carries a nagging risk with his jumping and he…

The John Durkan Memorial Chase is often a good pointer for the Cheltenham Gold Cup despite being over 2m 4f. The last two meetings have been won by Min and he goes in search of a third in a row. He is getting older now and although he must retain…

2m5f (Grand National) William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase The finale over the National Fences has a number that could go well on their first attempt. Lord Du Mesnil probably wants it much further and could be targeting the April event whilst Hunstman Son would look interesting if the ground…

3m2f William Hill Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) The Becher Chase looks set to be dominated by those with course form again. Le Breuil is the best handicapped in this from last years’ runner having ran well in for a long way before fading into seventh. And runner-up, Kimberlight Candy,…