2pts win

3m1f (Old) Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I have a soft spot for the Ultima as the first handicap chase of the week and its shaping up to be a brilliant betting race. Lucinda Russell produced Corach Rambler to win back-to-back Ultima’s and WHISTLE STOP…

2m½f (2m87y) (Old) Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) It’s difficult to take on Kopek Des Bordes after his demolition job last time. The only negative would be he’s keen and wears a hood, so a massive Festival crowd will test his mettle. If he’s going to get beaten,…

2m (1m7f199y) (Old) My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I think people are getting quite carried away with Majborough, who’s no doubt the right favourite, but his price doesn’t reflect his true chance. The main issue I have is he’s a three-mile chaser on looks and…

3m6f (Old) Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (5yo+ 0-145) The National Hunt Chase has been changed to a handicap and I think that is a fantastic move as it looks a much more competitive race than in recent years. In December, HAITI…

2m (1m7f216y) Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) A winner on the eve of Cheltenham can’t hurt and I’m firing a dart at the Imperial Cup on drying ground. OOH BETTY has been in really good form this year, after a wind surgery last summer. She won easily off 123…

2m1f (2m179y) (New) William Hill County Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) I fancy KARGESE quite strongly for this race. Primarily because she’s a dual-Grade 1 winner, only five, and let in off 141 over the same course and distance she placed second in last year’s Triumph Hurdle behind now skinny Arkle…

2m (Winter) Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) I’d have MIAMI MAGIC closer to evens than 2/1. He’s won at the track in emphatic fashion and proved it no fluke when placing in a Grade 1. There’s substance too, with Good And Clever back in…

2m (2m11y) Pertemps Network Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) (5yo+ 0-150) JAVERT ALLEN has dominated from the front in his first two 2mile chase starts and he could be in-line for a hat-trick here at Chepstow. He has won over this course and distance and looks a young chaser…

2m3½f (2m3f58y) Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+) CLASSIC KING looks an obvious type after bolting up in his first run in a handicap. He’s only gone up 5lb for that easy success and the issue has always been his jumping. With a clear round he’s a…

3m Ebony Horse Club Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+) Several of these novices have entries in the Brown Advisory Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, but first they must compet in the Reynoldstown at Ascot on Saturday. This race doesn’t always necessarily go to the…