RISING STAR: Total Recall could make a big impression in the second half of the jumps season Eight-year-old. Won the Munster National at Limerick and the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury at the start of the month.
Gutsy stayer who has improved massively for changing stables in the close season.
Yet to run in a Graded chase having been kept to handicaps. Possibly capable of better still. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup (25-1) or a handicap chase. VERDICT: May well be better still to come. There would need to be if going for Gold. Six-year-old winner of the Galway Plate in August, which is a big handicap.
Has held his form well, finishing runner-up in Grade Twos at Gowran and Clonmel. Belied odds of 66-1 when runner-up to Road To Respect in the Christmas Chase at Leopardstown on Thursday. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Ryanair Chase 10-1. VERDICT: Gutsy, rarely makes mistakes. A very good each-way bet for his likely Cheltenham target. Six-year-old winner of his three races this season – two Grade Twos and the Grade One Tingle Creek at Sandown.
Among the best over two miles. Clearly better than when only fourth in the JLT Novices’ Chase at the Festival last March. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase 7-2. VERDICT: Needs to improve 7lb to beat Altior if that one is as good as he was last season. Six-year-old winner of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase and the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Disappointing sixth of eight at Kempton in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
Unplaced in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March and also in the Betway Bowl at Aintree in April. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup 16-1. VERDICT: Too inconsistent to recommend. Yet to win round our top track. Six-year-old winner of the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle in August.
Was then put aside for the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November and finished nearer last than first.
Again finished towards the rear when 11th of 20 in a valuable Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle this month. CHELTENHAM TARGET: County Hurdle. VERDICT: Has already won his target race. Now 8lb higher and may need to drop further to score again. Eight-year-old winner of Tuesday’s King George CHELTENHAM TARGET: VERDICT: Six-year-old winner of his last eight starts, four in Grade One hurdle races this year.
Clean, clinical, impressive jumper who usually wins with a fair bit in hand. Impossible to fault. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Unibet Champion Hurdle 13-8. VERDICT: Reigning Champion hurdler in Faugheen’s absence. Their duel up the Cheltenham hill could take top billing in March were the two champs to line up. Has risen steadily through the ranks over the last two calendar years. Started off in a Catterick bumper and this month won the Grade One JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Stays three miles and likes to go off in front. CHELTENHAM TARGET: Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle. VERDICT: Never been to Cheltenham before and the big races at the Festival usually go to horses with previous experience of the track. Would need to run well there next month to be of interest in March. Seven-year-old that has blossomed since leaving Willie Mullins for Gordon Elliott 18 months ago.
That was always likely to be the case as he is bred for chasing and was hurdling when in his previous yard.
Form has tapered off since narrowly winning the Kerry National at Listowel in September. Has had a long season but one to consider if rested prior to Cheltenham. CHELTENHAM TARGET: A novices’ handicap chase. VERDICT: Tough, never fallen, has made the first three in eight of his 12 chases. Each-way chance if he gets to the Festival. Six-year-old novice chaser who has won seven of his nine races over fences this season and finished second in the other two.
Rated 140 over hurdles, he has progressed to around 160 as a chaser, following this week’s Grade One win at Kempton. CHELTENHAM TARGET: RSA Novices’ Chase 16-1. VERDICT: Willing but horses have a habit of falling in his races – Sizing Tennessee, Mia’s Storm, Beat That and Fountains Windfall. Cheltenham would be a big ask given he was running round Fontwell and Worcester less than six months ago. EARNINGS up to and including Thursday’s racing.