2pts win

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…

3m (2m7f213y) (New) Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo) D Art D Art possesses a hugely progressive profile and was unlucky not to claim a 3m 1f Qualifier on soft ground at Carlisle three months ago. That was his first try over three miles…

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…

3m (2m7f213y) (New) Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Teahupoo goes in search of his second Stayers Hurdle in a row, but last years renewal was poor and he got his favoured soft ground. The ground is quickerthis week and Teahupoo could be vulnerable to…

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…

2m (Old) Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Unexpected Party has got to be feared for target trainer Dan Skelton in his attempt to claim a second Grand Annual in a row. But the handicapper hasn’t relented by that much…

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…

2m½f (2m87y) (Old) Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Registered As Fred Winter) (Premier Hcap) (GBB) (Class 1) (4yo) Perilous as ever, this is not a race to get carried away with. I fancy HOT FUSS to be best handicapped and capable of improving way beyond a mark of 122 if he can tidy…