The Tipsters Tips 25/26

[Eggs]

ATRs Dave Orton has put a few early fancies up on ATR website;

THE NEW LION

Champion Hurdle

Last season’s Champion Hurdle was carnage – Constitution Hill and State Man out, Golden Ace the shock 25-1 winner. State Man was cruising before his fall and remains the yardstick, but there’s one rising fast to meet him: unbeaten The New Lion.

Dan and Harry Skelton’s star was devastating in the Turners, form good enough to have gone close in the Champion itself. Smooth-travelling, progressive, and oozing class, he could be the one who shakes up the established order.

If he kicks off the season with a win in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, his current 4-1 quote will vanish in a hurry.

WENDIGO​

Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase​

Few in Britain match Jamie Snowden when it comes to plotting a spring target. Aintree’s Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle win with Julius Des Pictons showed what he can do – and Wendigo looks the next in line.

Twice second to serious horses last term, including runner-up to The New Lion in the Challow, he shaped far better than the result in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle after getting badly hampered. When he got reorganised, he flew home.

Now schooling smartly for fences, the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase is the obvious call. Soft ground, fast ground, it doesn’t matter – at 25-1, he’s a cracking early play for Cheltenham 2026.

MAJBOROUGH​

Queen Mother Champion Chase​

The class act of the two-mile novice chasers last term, Majborough looked a banker in the Arkle… until he nearly demolished the second-last. Somehow, he still almost won, going down by less than a length after another error at the last. That grit said everything.

He made amends at Punchestown, winning as he liked despite jumping left, and 8-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase feels generous. He’s still only six next March, room for more polish, and if he stays unbeaten through his prep, that price will look absurdly big.

JASMIN DE VAUX​

Stayers' Hurdle​

The staying hurdle division is crying out for new blood. Teahupoo sets the standard but he’s beatable – and this could be Jasmin De Vaux’s turn to take over. Around 8-1 looks more than fair if Mullins sticks to hurdles.

It was a rocky start last season: fluent debut, two shockers next, and questions raised. Then up to three miles in the Albert Bartlett – bang! Everything clicked. He powered home, followed up at Punchestown despite a hairy moment at the last, and suddenly the picture made sense.

Two from two at Cheltenham, built for the job, and still maturing – the profile screams Stayers’ Hurdle player.

 

[Lobos]

Can't argue with any of those.


October Yankee sorted .......lol

 

[Wayward Lad]

Willie has thrown a spanner in the works with Majborough suggesting Ryanair rather than Champ Chase……although a lot can happen between now and next March and maybe how Fact to File performs over the season could have an impact on where Maj runs as well?

Willie seems to think Il Etait Temps is maybe his 2m G1 Chaser and if he wins the Tingle Creek surely he goes to the QM Champ Chase at a shorter price than he is now?

 

[Exar Essay]

Willie has thrown a spanner in the works with Majborough suggesting Ryanair rather than Champ Chase……although a lot can happen between now and next March and maybe how Fact to File performs over the season could have an impact on where Maj runs as well?

Willie seems to think Il Etait Temps is maybe his 2m G1 Chaser and if he wins the Tingle Creek surely he goes to the QM Champ Chase at a shorter price than he is now?

If you watch the video, Willie talks very differently to how it is reported in writing. Willie basically says it's a 2-mile campaign ending at the Champion Chase unless he messes up along the way. In my view, Il Etait Temps is being campaigned partly in the UK to avoid clashing with Majborough - like when Energumene and El Fabiolo were kept apart 2-seasons ago.

 

[archie]

Can't argue with any of those.


October Yankee sorted .......lol

It took me 5 months to get Wendigo in a yankee so best of luck with that.

 

[Eggs]

Willie has thrown a spanner in the works with Majborough suggesting Ryanair rather than Champ Chase……although a lot can happen between now and next March and maybe how Fact to File performs over the season could have an impact on where Maj runs as well?

Willie seems to think Il Etait Temps is maybe his 2m G1 Chaser and if he wins the Tingle Creek surely he goes to the QM Champ Chase at a shorter price than he is now?

Majborough from ATR Stable Tour;
‘The plan is to start him off in the Hilly Way Chase. It was a big surprise to us that he made the jumping mistakes that he did at Cheltenham. It wasn’t like him at all. We just want to work out whether jumping at two-mile pace is an issue for him, whether we got the riding tactics wrong or whether it was just a one-off. Our inclination is to start him off over two miles and if he jumps well, he might well stay at around that trip. If his jumping hints that he might need a change, we have the option of going up with trip. He looks stronger than ever this season.’

IET;
‘We are aiming him at the Tingle Creek Chase. We don’t usually like to go there with horses having their first run of the season, but he performed so well when fresh in the Celebration Chase that it made us think it might be an option. He could possibly go for the Clonmel Oil Chase first if he’s ready and the ground is suitable, otherwise we’ll go to Sandown without a run. Based on what he showed at Sandown, he looks likely to be a big player in the two-mile chase division.’

F2F;
‘He obviously a Ryanair or Gold Cup type. JP McManus owns the Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin, so he might want to keep them apart, we’ll have to cross those bridges when we get to them. We think the King George would be a lovely race for him and he is one of a few of ours that are in the mix for that.’

 

[Eggs]

It took me 5 months to get Wendigo in a yankee so best of luck with that.

….you can always volunteer to Captain the January effort, Archie

I like him too & put him in a few multiples of my own.

 

[Eggs]

….SL’s David Ord’s horse to follow;

As a broodmare, Debdebdeb’s first date was with 2000 Guineas and Derby winner Camelot, resulting in the useful Flat stayer Dillian. But reflecting her own dual-purpose racing career, she subsequently produced a foal to top jumping sire Walk In The Park and looks to have a very promising future jumper with the result of that mating being impressive Huntingdon bumper winner Mydaddypaddy. Ridden by Harry Skelton, who had partnered Debdebdeb to all three of her wins for the yard, Mydaddypaddy clearly came with something of a reputation and was sent off the 15/8 favourite for his debut.

He could hardly have won in more taking style having been dropped out last of all for much of the way. But towards the end of the back straight, Mydaddypaddy quickly began to pass horses on the bridle out wide and was still travelling strongly when produced to lead entering the straight. From that point, it was a one-horse race, with Mydaddypaddy readily quickening clear once shaken up to pull 11 lengths clear. That may have been a thin race, but that doesn’t alter the fact that the tall, useful-looking Mydaddypaddy will be a most exciting prospect for novice hurdles. Dan Skelton

---

David Ord says: “He might have seen the trainers’ title slip through his fingers on the final day of the last two seasons, but Dan Skelton goes into the new campaign with his largest ever string and with a host of exciting young prospects. Among those is Mydaddypaddy who looked something out of the ordinary when winning a Huntingdon bumper in March, making an eye-catching move from the rear turning in and then quickening clear of his rivals in a matter of strides. He’s the sort to run up a sequence over hurdles before his sights are raised.”

 

[Eggs]

….watched SL jumps preview, a few suggestions;

Matt Brocklebank
Myretown 100-1 GC dark horse; Jango Baie Ryanair 20-1 (also King George).
Phil Turner gave Iroko for GN.

 

[Lobos]

….watched SL jumps preview, a few suggestions;

Matt Brocklebank
Myretown 100-1 GC dark horse; Jango Baie Ryanair 20-1 (also King George).
Phil Turner gave Iroko for GN.

Did any of them mention that Jango had a screw fitted after coming back Lame from Aintree and whether that has held him up ??

 

[Eggs]

Did any of them mention that Jango had a screw fitted after coming back Lame from Aintree and whether that has held him up ??

….no but Henderson does in his stable tour.

 

[Eggs]

….Mark Howard highlights some of Mullins’ new recruits;

LARINKA (FR) 4 b f Martinborough – Madrika (FR)​

By the same sire as triple Grade 1 winner Majborough, the unbeaten filly hails from the same source, too, namely Daniela Mele. Making her racecourse bow in a 14 runner AQPS Flat race at Saumur (LH : 1m 7f : Good/Soft) in March, she dominated from an early stage.

In front with over two circuits to run, the four year old galloped on relentlessly in the homestraight to win hard held by six and a half lengths (third won since). She looked above average and, not surprisingly, J.P.McManus acquired the filly. She could be Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle material.

LIVIO (FR) 4 b g Cokoriko (FR) – Etoile Du Berger (FR)​

Belied his lack of experience to win a Grade 3 AQPS Flat race at Lyon (LH : 1m 4f : Very Soft) in September last year on his racecourse debut for Lucie Pontoir. Racing keenly on the outside early on, the Cokoriko gelding was well positioned leaving the backstraight. Pushed along when the tempo lifted turning for home, he picked up well to wear down Landmaderlo (1 from 5 since) close home in a bunch finish.

A half length scorer, he still looked raw and is open to considerable improvement. The twelve furlongs event has been won by subsequent Grade 1 winners Valseur Lido (2012) and Delta Work (2016). Willie Mullins purchased the four year old for €260,000 at the Arqana Arc Sale the following month and he is owned by Mrs Rebecca Jane, Twigden, H.O.S.Syndicate and Anthony O’Leary. He ought to make a smart two mile novice hurdler.

MACHO MAN (FR) 3 ch g Ivanhowe (GER) – L’Aumance Girl (FR)​

The Closutton outfit have won five of the last six renewals of the Triumph Hurdle – four of which began their careers in France – and once again Mullins has amassed a formidable team of three year olds for the winter ahead.

They include this former Gab Leenders trained gelded son of Ivanhowe. A five lengths scorer on his debut, he defeated thirteen rivals in the Prix Pride of Kildare, a conditions hurdle, at Auteuil (2m 2f : Very Soft) at the start of this month. The chestnut sporting a noseband settled in behind the leaders before making his move on the hometurn.

Switched to the stands side, he led approaching the last flight before pulling away on the run-in. The form has yet to be tested but he looked above average and was acquired on behalf of Joe and Marie Donnelly, of State Man fame. Graded juvenile hurdles will be his target during the second half of the season with the Triumph Hurdle in March his ultimate goal.

MAJOLIQUE (FR) 3 b f Tigron (USA) – Voix Romaine (FR)​

Owner Kenny Alexander tasted Grade 1 juvenile hurdle success with the filly Murcia at Aintree last spring. The same patron will be hoping lightning strikes twice with this unbeaten Flat racer. Previously handed by Florian Bellemere, the daughter of Tigron was a narrow winner of a seven runner unraced fillies’ maiden at Longchamp (RH : 1m 2f : Good/Soft) in mid May.

Drawn widest, she soon slotted in behind the leaders before moving strongly into contention inside the final quarter of a mile. Augustin Madamet’s mount was forced to sit and suffer for a few strides. However, once seeing daylight, she picked up well hitting the front inside to win going away by a short neck. The runner-up Velikaya has won twice and finished runner-up at Listed level since. Open to considerable improvement, she has plenty of size and no shortage of talent either.

PROACTIF (FR) 3 b g Masked Marvel – Balder Phenix (IRE)​

While most of the racing world were watching Scandinavia provide Aidan O’Brien with a ninth victory in the St Leger at Doncaster in mid September, the Prix Finot, a conditions hurdle for unraced three year olds, was being staged at Auteuil during the same afternoon.

The two miles two event has kickstarted the careers of many high-class National Hunt horses over the years. Grade 1 winners L’Ami Serge (3rd in 2013), Min (4th in 2014), Protektorat (2nd in 2018), Ptit Zig (9th in 2012), Saint Roi (3rd in 2018) all made their racecourse debuts in the prestigious contest.

The colts and geldings’ version was won impressively by Proactif who stretched away after the last from an 18 strong field looking a high-class prospect. Owned and trained by Daniela Mele and ridden by Lucas Zuliani, the Masked Marvel gelding raced in behind the leaders along the rail until pulled out halfway down the backstraight. Jumping to the front with a bold leap at the second last, he stayed on strongly to beat the promising Apolon De Charnie (sold since) by six lengths.

A half-brother to Gavin Cromwell’s three times winning chaser Tyre Kicker (rated 128), his winning time was 4m 13.63 seconds compared to the aforementioned Macho Man’s victory in 4m 22.85 seconds over the same C&D (both run on very soft ground). Ireland’s champion trainer was reportedly quick off the mark and secured the gelding for a hefty six figure sum from a stable who have supplied him with some top-class ammunition in recent years, namely Majborough and State Man.

Daniela Mele and partner Guy Cherel invariably run quality three year olds in the Prix Finot – the latter was responsible for Irish Saint (won it in 2012), the aforementioned Saint Roi (2018) and Saphir Du Rheu (3rd in 2012) – and Proactif looks cut from the same cloth. A big, scopey individual, he could be very smart and develop into a household name. Expect him to make his Irish debut in a Graded contest after Christmas before a tilt at the Triumph Hurdle.

THE REVEREND 4 b g Lope De Vega (IRE) – Burning Rules (IRE)​

In addition to Energumene winning the Queen Mother Champion Chase twice, owner Tony Bloom has tasted Cheltenham Festival success courtesy of ex-Flat racers Penhill (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle & Stayers’ Hurdle) and Poniros (100/1), who caused a huge shock when winning the Triumph Hurdle on his jumping debut last spring.

The former was purchased for 230,000gns out of James Bethell’s yard, while the latter cost 200,000gns having plied his trade on the level with Ralph Beckett. The Reverend was a 150,000gns yearling and the four year old has developed into a high-class staying handicapper with William Haggas.

The chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club owns the Lope De Vega gelding and he joined Willie Mullins in September with a view to going jumping. Successful in four of his nine races on the Flat and officially rated 102, he was an impressive winner of a three year old heritage handicap at Ascot last year.

Having found the ground too lively in the Sky Bet Jorvik Handicap at York’s Dante Festival in May (1m 4f : Good/Firm), he hasn’t looked back since winning twice. Revelling in testing conditions at Ripon in July, Danny Tudhope’s mount outclassed four opponents in the 0-105 Ripon Rowels Handicap winning by three and a quarter lengths under 10st 2lb – the aforementioned Penhill won the same race eleven years earlier.

Raised four pounds to 98, The Reverend produced an even better display to win the Old Borough Cup at Haydock Park in early September. Tackling a mile and six for only the second time, he stayed on strongly to reel in stablemate Dramatic Star to prevail by a neck – the subsequent Group 1 Prix du Cadran winner Caballo De Mar was back in eighth.

Willie Mullins’ new recruit possesses a good cruising speed, he stays well and handles soft ground. The four year old is tailormade for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices Hurdle next spring. He could be the best National Hunt horse to emerge from Somerville Lodge in Newmarket since the 2005 Arkle Trophy winner Contraband.

 

[Eggs]

….Daryl Jacob on some of the Double Greens;

Blizzard Of Oz (Willie Mullins)​

“He's taken well to chasing and is already rated 147 after just four chasing starts. He's a second season novice chaser and sometimes that can be a real benefit with the experience he has gained.

“He knows what it is all about. He was second in the big chase at the Punchestown Festival looking like he was going to win only to be beaten a head into second by Sea Music.

“He's really exciting. He's going to be a proper staying chaser for this year and he could go right to the top in the staying division over fences.”

Green Hint (Stuart Crawford)​

“He won a point-to-point, and he was second in the Goff's Defender Bumper at the Punchestown Festival. That was a huge run. This horse is still very green, very inexperienced, but again, he's done really, really well over the summertime.

“He's going to go, I would imagine, in maiden hurdles over two miles and then see how that works out towards the end of the season. But I think this horse has got a really bright future.

“We can look forward to seeing Green Hint make his debut over hurdles in the next five or six weeks.”

Green Splendour (Willie Mullins)​

“High on the list has to be Green Splendour. He won the Grade 2 bumper at the Aintree Festival this year. It was very, very convincing, that performance. I think he's a horse that's done really well over the summertime and I'm really looking forward to him going hurdling this year.

“I would imagine he'll start off over two miles, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's a bit like Jasmin De Vaux and stepped up in trip as the season goes along.

“He could possibly be an Albert Bartlett type of horse, he's definitely not going to be a Supreme horse anyway and I'd imagine it depends on how he handles his racing and jumping. He's done a lot of jumping and he’s been going well at home.”

Intense Raffles (Thomas Gibney)​

“Our Irish Grand National winner looked very very impressive that day at Fairyhouse last year and we trained him for one race and one race only in 2024-25, the Grand National at Aintree, but as it turned out the ground was probably too lively for him that day at Liverpool.

“Unfortunately there was no rain about and it was good ground that and it all just happened a bit too quickly for him. JJ Slevin looked after him but we're just really going to concentrate on the big staying handicap chases this year and whenever he gets his favourite ground again he’ll be ready.

“I think he'll be very, very dangerous and he could potentially start out in something like the Betfair Chase at Haydock where we were very, very successful with Bristol de Mai in the past. I can't wait to see Intense Raffles. Hopefully he'll have a good run of things this year.”

Jack The Lad (Thomas Gibney)​

“You probably wouldn't have heard much about this fellow, but he won a point-to-point, and he was third in a few bumpers at Gowran Park and Cork.

“He's going to go hurdling and wants a minimum of two and a half miles. He could even end up stepping up to three miles. He’ll like soft ground and a nice big galloping track. He's a horse that travels really nicely.

“He has probably just been getting outpaced a little bit towards the end of his races, but he still ran through the line very, very well.”

Look Me (Stuart Crawford)​

“He was second in the Tattersall sales bumper at Fairyhouse in April.

“Again, he looked very, very green that day, very backwards. Mentally, he came on an awful lot for that run. We didn't get another run into him, unfortunately, because the ground was drying out. But he's done very, very well over the summertime.

“I would imagine he might potentially start out in a bumper, but it wouldn't be too long before he goes straight over hurdles. So, again, he's another horse that's filled out into himself.

“I saw him about three weeks ago and he is doing very well in the yard. I’m very much looking forward to him and seeing how he gets on at the start of the new campaign.”

Talk The Talk (Joseph O’Brien)​

“He was second in the Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper at Newbury and made a lovely start over hurdles at Limerick on October 18.

“He's a good mover and jumps very very well at home, while I liked how he recovered from his mistake at the fourth on his hurdling bow. He could have a really exciting season ahead of him. He’s just got a wonderful way of carrying himself, nice action, good jumping, and he's a flashy horse as well, so you won't miss him walking around the parade ring.”

 

[Eggs]

…..Mark Howard highlights a few Elliott recruits;

GRANGECLARE PARK (IRE) 4 b g Walk In The Park (IRE) – Burkes Lady (IRE)

Envoi Allen and Samcro were dual Cheltenham Festival winners for Gordon Elliott winning 8 Grade 1 races between them during their time at Cullentra. The pair began their careers by winning a point-to-point for Colin Bowe before being sold for £400,000 and £335,000 respectively.

The triple Grand National winning trainer returned to the same source to purchase privately the potentially top-class Grangeclare Park, who made a lasting impression ‘between the flags’ at Curraghmore on Easter Sunday.

A tall, rangy bay, home bred by Joey Logan, the Walk In The Park gelding was patiently ridden by Barry O’Neill before the combination knifed through the field during the closing mile. Towering over most of his rivals, he swept to the front after the second last and for minimum force readily drew clear to win by twenty lengths. He has the size, the engine and a lovely relaxed racing style and looks Graded material.

The Elliott barn has stocked up heavily once again from the pointing academy and will likely make a play at the 2026 Festival bumper. Gordon Elliott won the Cheltenham Festival bumper with Fayonagh (2017) and the aforementioned Envoi Allen (2019), and Grangeclare Park’s new owners KTDA Racing went close with Romeo Coolio in 2024. The partnership may have an outstanding candidate for the 2026 renewal.

KEEP HIM COMPANY (FR) 5 b g Walzertakt (GER) – Anais Collonges (FR)

An impressive four lengths winner of a point-to-point at Kildorrery at the beginning of March, Keep Him Company hails from the famous Costello family at Fenloe House in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co.Clare. The late Tom Costello’s graduates included the triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate. His son John is now at the helm and he produced the Walzertakt gelding to made a sparkling debut at the Co.Cork venue – the ill-fated Festival winner Corbetts Cross won the same maiden three years earlier.

Purchased by Gigginstown House Stud for £220,000 at the Cheltenham Festival Sale twelve days later, he joins the Cullentra operation and could return to Prestbury Park next spring for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle.

The trainer’s son Conor did the steering at Kildorrery and he raced prominently in the first four from the beginning. His jumping was slick and polished before careering away rounding the final bend to win apologising by four lengths and clocking the fastest time on the card. Given he won without his jockey having to exert any real pressure, and signalled an ideal blend of crisp jumping and gears, he instantly instilled confidence in the idea he had a bright future ahead.

MANGE TOUT (FR) 3 b f Born To Sea (IRE) – Brune Ecossaise (FR)

Mightily impressive on her hurdles debut at Compiegne (LH : 2m : Very Soft) in May, the Born To Sea filly was trained by Elisabeth Allaire and is a half-sister to five times Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe. Fitted with a hood and tongue tie and racing prominently, she took over with a circuit to run and dominated thereafter. Switched to the stands rail, she sauntered clear to win by fifteen lengths.

The form is questionable, but she was in a different league to her eight opponents. Significantly, Gordon Elliott was in attendance and the filly was purchased soon afterwards on behalf of Robcour. A slick and accurate jumper, the well bred three year old could take some pegging back in Graded events this winter.

MANOIR DE MIRANDE (FR) 3 b g It’s Gino (GER) – Gingerly (FR)

A former stablemate of the aforementioned Loriko, the It’s Gino gelding was a two and a half lengths winner of a twelve runner AQPS Flat race at Moulins (RH : 1m 4f : Very Soft) in early April. Anne-Sophie Pacault’s runner looked a smart prospect quickening up to lead approaching the final two furlongs before pulling away. Eased down close home, he was value for more than the winning margin.

A fine big three year old, the fifth has won since, while the runner-up (Milpat) and third (Macshadow Des Crai) have joined Jamie Snowden and Nicky Henderson respectively. Gigginstown House Stud were quick to acquire the winner and he looks another useful juvenile prospect for Gordon Elliott.

MARCO DU SEUIL (FR) 3 b g Galiway – Cibelle Du Seuil (FR)

Half-brother to the 151 rated four times Grade 3 winning chaser Hercule Du Seuil, he is another terrific prospect to have joined Gordon Elliott during the summer. Owned by Robcour, the Galiway gelding beat four previous winners on his debut in a Grade 3 AQPS Flat race at Le Lion D’Angers (LH : 1m 4f : Good/Soft) in late July.

Trained by Mickael Seror, he was the only debutant in the seven strong field and was positioned in third along the rail during the early stages. Mounting his challenge turning for home, he was pulled to the outside and pushed into the lead under hands and heels. A two lengths victor, Augustin Madamet’s mount was firmly on top. Bought soon afterwards, he has plenty of substance physically and ought to jump fences one day.

NIGHTMARE HAS (FR) 3 b g Doctor Dino (FR) – Nice To Meet You (FR)

A half-brother to the Grade 2 winning juvenile hurdler Nietzsche Has, he was bought for €150,000 as a two year old at the Arqana Summer Sale last year. Owned by Robcour, he will be targeted at the new series of NH Academy Hurdle races in Ireland – they begin in October 2025 and are open to three year olds horses who haven’t run on the Flat or under National Hunt rules. The well bred Doctor Dino gelding could clean up in such events

 

[Eggs]

….Jamie Codd;

JANGO BAIE A RYANAIR FLYER AT 20-1​

Still just a six-year-old open to lots of improvement, JANGO BAIE is a horse I’m excited about this season. He obviously won the Arkle last year in really remarkable circumstances, and the stamina test of the Cheltenham hill seems to really suit him. He went to Aintree after the Arkle, and I don’t think the flat track and speed test played to his strengths as much over fences. He did well to finish third to Impaire Et Passe and Gidleigh Park despite making a serious mistake. He was reported to have suffered an injury that day, but all seems well now and runs at Ascot in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase on Saturday. I see him as a Ryanair prospect, and 20-1 looks a good price for a horse with course form, bags of stamina and time on his side. I know the King George is a big target of his too, so if the English are light on Gold Cup hopes, he might well end up in the big one instead depending on how the early part of his season pans out.

PORT AUTHORITY A NOVICE HURDLER TO FOLLOW​

I was impressed with PORT AUTHORITY when he won at Naas a few weeks back for Gordon Elliott, and he looks a novice hurdler to follow this season from a little left field. I was at the Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale the day he was sold back in March and he really caught my eye then, having won a point-to-point for Matty Flynn O'Connor. He was impressive winning on his hurdles debut by 17 lengths over two miles, but there’s no doubt that he could go further in time. He’s a five-year-old turning six so he has age on his side, and it’ll be very interesting to see how he fares when he goes up in grade next time. He looks to have a big engine, and I’ve a funny feeling he could end up being a pretty smart horse.

THE BIG WESTERNER stands out as a novice chase prospect this season, and she could prove pretty hard to beat in mares’ events in the coming months. I think she’s due to start off at Cork this weekend, and Henry de Bromhead is a master at getting horses to improve for a fence. Her Albert Bartlett second to Jasmin De Vaux was an excellent run against the geldings, and the third horse Derryhassen Paddy is really highly-regarded by Lucinda Russell too. The mares’ chase division looks open and I think very few in there will be capable of beating her.

Also trained by Henry de Bromhead, TAPONTHEGO always looked the type to make a better chaser than a hurdler and he made no mistake first time over fences at Gowran Park last month. He had a decent campaign over timber last year which culminated in a fourth to Wodhooh in the Martin Pipe. He might prove better than a handicapper in time, but I already have him in mind for the novices' handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

I’m always on the lookout for progressive staying chasers too, and I’d love for Terence O’Brien’s ANSWER TO KAYF to develop into an Irish Grand National horse after battling gamely to win the Troytown at Navan on Sunday. He’s still fairly unexposed over staying trips and there could be more to come from him this season. I’ll be keeping an eye on him.

MY PICK OF THE SALES GRADUATES THIS SEASON​

In my role with Tattersalls I’m very lucky to be able to see the stars of tomorrow close up, and CRISTAL D’ESTRUVAL is a beautiful horse with bundles of potential now in training with Harry Derham and was a winner at Warwick on Thursday. He made £400,000 at the sales after winning a point-to-point for Colin Bowe so he’s coming with a big reputation, but he has every chance of being a good horse. He’s by Crystal Ocean who’s made a really eyecatching start and I’d say he’s going to be a very good stallion.

JET OF STARS for Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore is another horse to keep on the right side of. He’s only four so might not be rushed, but the form of his point-to-point win for Denis Murphy looks fantastic, with the second, third and fourth all winning since. I actually think Russell and Scudamore could be set for another really strong campaign. It’s been noticeable how active they’ve been at all levels in the sales. They’ve got both the quality and quantity to compete in a big way. I’m sure they’ll be churning out winners again all season, also keeping something back for the spring festivals too.

ADAM RYAN AN AMATEUR RIDER TO WATCH​

It’ll come as no surprise that I’m still keeping tabs on the amateur jockey ranks, and I’d advise you to look out for Adam Ryan’s name on the racecard in amateur events and bumpers in the future. He rode that very dramatic winner at Plumpton on Monday and he’s a very good pilot. He rode a good few bumper winners in Ireland during the summer and will be in the winners’ enclosure plenty more times, I reckon.

THE BIG QUESTIONS​

Can Constitution Hill get back to his best?​

With State Man out, I don’t think the Champion Hurdle division is as strong as people think. If Constitution Hill is back to his best, then the others need to reach his level. I’d just about favour him over The New Lion if they face-off in the Fighting Fifth. He’s such a quick horse, and The New Lion still has a bit to prove.

There’s no doubt we’ll discuss Lossiemouth all season, but her potential Champion Hurdle bid could depend on how good the likes of Anzadam and Irancy are for Willie Mullins.

Kopek Des Bordes or Lulamba in the Arkle?​

Lulamba was possibly a bit slicker first time over fences, but Kopek Des Bordes is an absolute aeroplane. Paul Townend was masterful on him the other day, as Kopek Des Bordes was not being nice for the first part of the race! Another rider could have easily been pulled 20 lengths clear by a free goer like Kopek Des Bordes, but Paul never lost contact with the horse, and he’ll be so much better for that first jumping experience and the way he was handled by his jockey. When Paul dropped his hands, his horse was impeccable over the last few fences. He’s a monster isn’t he?

Will Galopin Des Champs regain the Gold Cup?​

You could say that Galopin Des Champs is on the back foot given he’s not starting in the John Durkan this year, but you could also say that a lighter campaign might suit him given Willie Mullins hasn’t spared him in his career so far, and the fact that he always runs hard to the line in his races. Let’s see what happens when he reappears, but Haiti Couleurs looks a very good horse who could surprise a few in the Gold Cup market. Rebecca Curtis is well capable of readying one for big races at Cheltenham, and Haiti Couleurs looks to have plenty of improvement to come.

Will Jonbon finally break his Cheltenham Festival duck?​

I thought last year was all set up for him, and after a bad start to his campaign this time around, I can't see Jonbon winning a Queen Mother Champion Chase, no.

 

[Eggs]

….a couple of Champion Chase 50-1 shots from SL Matt Brocklebank;

Gidleigh Park’s owners were openly wondering if they had a 'future Gold Cup horse' on their hands after his runner-up effort to Impaire Et Passe in Aintree’s Manifesto in April, but I’m not really convinced by that assessment just yet.

Looking back on his free-going effort over two miles and five furlongs in last month’s Ladbrokes 1965 Chase (replay below), it’s hard to argue he wasn’t outstayed by the winner, Jango Baie. And perhaps we should be reading into the two races Gidleigh Park almost ran in this season, as well as the one he eventually did.

First up was meant to be the Haldon Gold Cup, but a lack of appreciable rain put paid to the Exeter plan, while a similar scenario saw him swerve the Hurst Park Handicap Chase in favour of the 1965 over the intermediate trip on the same afternoon. The easier option was apparently under serious consideration right through to the time of declarations.

The Haldon Gold Cup and the Hurst Park are both run over two miles and a furlong. So win, lose or draw wherever he shows up next, and whatever the distance of that particular assignment, I'd be surprised if Gidleigh Park – a 50/1 shot at the time of writing – wasn’t at least given a Champion Chase entry based on what we know to this point.

I reckon it would only take a wet week in early-March for that to quickly become plan-A for a horse who actually remains unbeaten over two miles, having won a Chepstow bumper, a novice hurdle and last season’s Lightning Novices’ Chase at Windsor – where he beat subsequent Grade 1 winner Caldwell Potter – all at the minimum trip.

The other one who deserves a more favourable mention is Solness, who was another also-ran from the 2025 Queen Mother but had effectively been on the go since Galway in July and deserves another chance having finally had chance to take a decent break this summer.

He was on a real roll when beating Gaelic Warrior last Christmas, before following up with a two-length defeat of Marine Nationale at the DRF, and the sponsors make him a 12/1 chance to go back-to-back in next month’s Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase at his old stamping ground, Leopardstown.

Maybe he’s even less of a ‘Cheltenham horse’ than new market leader Il Etait Temps, but judging Solness on the one visit when he was entitled to be over the top seems a bit harsh, and he’s another 50/1 chance that I can only see going one way in the betting between now and the Festival.

 

[Eggs]

….ATRs Gary Nutting;

For all that the King George VI Chase was a Christmas cracker of a race the individual performance that’s impressed me most over the festive period is that of MAMBONUMBERFIVE , who appeals as a lively outsider for the Arkle Challenge Trophy.

Ben Pauling’s gelding has rattled off a most progressive hat-trick in the first half of the season, culminating in that ultimately decisive success in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton 24 hours after stablemate The Jukebox Man had so narrowly prevailed in the Boxing Day showpiece.

His time was only three-tenths of a second slower than the Desert Orchid Chase over the same trip barely 30 minutes later and though he carried 5lb less than the winner of that race, Thistle Ask, he had difficulties to overcome - unlike Dan Skelton’s rapidly improving trailblazer (now rated 158).

Those were respective course record times but whereas the latter didn’t see another rival apart from 150-1 shot Calgary Tiger, who finished tailed off, Mambonumberfive had to come from the rear after being taken off his feet early and jumping less fluently than on his previous starts over fences.

He also tended to jump out to the left down the back straight - a plus where Cheltenham is concerned (note his earlier chase wins were at left-handed Aintree and Newbury) - yet despite being on the back foot round a speed-favouring track, still managed to sluice through the field from three out and forge clear approaching the last.

So far, he’s made full use of his 4yo weight allowance, which is about to disappear, but that shouldn’t detract from his standing as a big, powerful horse open to further improvement - especially on a stiffer track and with more cut in the ground, according to his trainer.

Raised 6lb for his latest win to 146, he’s still got the best part of a stone to find on current official ratings with Arkle hotpots Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes, winners of their combined three starts over fences.

Both were even higher rated over hurdles than the selection, but he’s maturing quickly (settling a lot better over fences, hence his only course run - on stable debut - is easily excused) and assembling place claims at least for a burgeoning yard that has already confirmed this as a definite target.

 

[Exar Essay]

I know Pauling has name checked the Arkle, but Mambonumberfive was only raised to 146 for that performance. They’d surely be considering a handicap off that mark.

 

[jrjr]

At the same price (25/1) I would much rather be backing Irish Panther. Just what you want from an antepost ew bet, small field, strong chance of placing and potential to win.

Put away the field in style at Naas on his chasing debut and the second and third have since come out and won over 2 miles.

Looked v assured at Leopardstown and his only sketchy jump was at the last which possibly ended up costing him the race. Given a decent 157 RPR which, if I’m reading Saxon’s pre-festival ratings guide correctly, would put him in line for a second place finish based on previous years. Of course, may run at the DRF and maybe boost this number higher.

Looking at the betting, can’t see anything in behind that could compete with him.

Would take him in a match bet with Kargese, doubts over Romeo running, just leaves the big two - who are by no means certainties to beat him.

 

[Guinness Village]

That’s my

At the same price (25/1) I would much rather be backing Irish Panther. Just what you want from an antepost ew bet, small field, strong chance of placing and potential to win.

Put away the field in style at Naas on his chasing debut and the second and third have since come out and won over 2 miles.

Looked v assured at Leopardstown and his only sketchy jump was at the last which possibly ended up costing him the race. Given a decent 157 RPR which, if I’m reading Saxon’s pre-festival ratings guide correctly, would put him in line for a second place finish based on previous years. Of course, may run at the DRF and maybe boost this number higher.

Looking at the betting, can’t see anything in behind that could compete with him.

Would take him in a match bet with Kargese, doubts over Romeo running, just leaves the big two - who are by no means certainties to beat him.

I’ve been getting the panther on side and will do some each way nrnb doubles with Romeo for BANC