Author: Paul Davidson

The betting for the Irish Arkle (and indeed the Cheltenham equivalent) is currently dominated by two horses, and one piece of form that separated Notebook from the re-opposing Fakir D’Oudairies in a two mile chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period. Notebook created a bit of a shock that day…

2m4½f (New) Paddy Power 45 Sleeps To Cheltenham Trophy Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) (5yo+) The 45 Sleeps To Cheltenham Trophy Handicap is a big one to win. And the market is currently wide-open with a three-way tie for favouritism with it being hard to rule out many with…

2m5f bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 2) (5yo+) Venetia Williams has been in ruthless form over the winter and she has another promising sort in the shape of Espoir De Guye. He was put up a stone for his success here last month in a handicap chase and looks smart. But…

3m6½f Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) The complexion of this race changed materially over the last week with Colin Tizzard deciding that former champion, Native River, will have just one more run before another tilt at the Gold Cup in March. This therefore doesn’t appear…

2m Holden Plant Rentals Novice Handicap Hurdle A fiendishly competitive handicap hurdle over at Leopardstown on Boxing Day to pick through. I am going to take a chance on MRS MILNER continuing her progress on just her fourth career start. Her first hurdles start under rules saw Mrs Milner come…

2m Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle The Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle has seen some impressive winners in recent years with the likes of City Island, Supasundae and Double Irish all tasting success before going to claim big victories in their careers. This year’s renewal looks equally competitive with several major players.…

3m Dave Dawes Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) The Silver Cup Handicap looks wide open at Ascot on Saturday judging by the market and currently Yaltari is heading the market for Venetia Williams. He races off a nice mark and will love the ground. But he has…

2m4½f Caspian Caviar Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) (4yo+) Frodon picked up his second victory in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup before going on to claim the Ryanair Chase last season. He was chased home by Cepage, who comes into this on a 12lbs higher mark after…

3m2f Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) Not many horses have managed to win the Becher Chase and the Grand National in one season, although these lot will be hoping to do the mighty double. I can see the logic in Mulcahy’s Hill being favourite for this…

2m Lexus Melbourne Cup (Group 1 Handicap) (3yo+) I hate to see the back of the flat season. But, with it, comes the Melbourne Cup. The ultimate international staying handicap has last year’s winner Cross Counter lining up for back-to-back wins. The first since Makybe Diva managed to achieve the…