Author: Paul Davidson

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,…

3m2f Ladbrokes Trophy Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) (Class 1) A good renewal of the Ladbrokes Trophy over at Newbury and Vinndication sits at the top-of-the-market. I’m not convinced he’s as consistent racing left-handed and despite his porgressive profile I’m not keen on him at 6/1. SECRET INVESTOR also carries a…

2m Old Persian At Glenview Stud Fishery Lane Hurdle (Grade 2) There’s an interesting field for the Grade 2 over at Naas on Saturday. Willie Mullins throws in a French import, Gars En Noir, on its first start and is being taken seriously by the bookies at 11/10 in places.…

Magicial is clearly a top-class mare, but she looks a little bit vulnerable as favourite in the Breeders Cup Turf having had a hard race in the Champion Stakes a fortnight ago.TARNAWA is a filly on the upgrade and I’m going to side with the up and coming progressive filly…

2m Lexus Melbourne Cup (Group 1 Handicap) Aidan O’Brien looks to have sent some of his best ever chances in a bid to claim his first Melbourne Cup over in Australia. Anthony Van Dyke is a worthy favourite for his yard but has to carry top-weight of 58.5kg. No horse…