13th December

Abandoned races in italics.

Cheltenham 1:55 BOYLECASINO.COM NOVICES' CHASE (CLASS 2) - 2m5f

Racing at Cheltenham will be very dependent on the Great British weather, which is forecasted to turn very wet on Friday evening and Saturday morning. There is a good chance that the ground at Cheltenham will therefore be very heavy and it will take plenty of stamina and soft ground preferences to win this 2m5f race. In the field of 7 runners we have Buck The Legend who has form on soft ground and has winning handicap chase form, however he is carrying a penalty of 8lbs for his two wins in handicaps. He will have to improve once again to take this. Hold Em gets further than this and he likes soft ground, he is carrying a penalty of 5lbs which means he has a tough task facing him, if the race does turn into a battle then Hold Em could get involved in the finish. Naiad Du Misselot is the selection here though, he has no penalty to carry and the Ferdy Murphy yard are improving with time and the horse has won at this track in the past. He was outpaced over a shorter distance last time out but still showed glimpses of promise. His main danger could come from Slash And Burn who looks set to run a massive race. - JB

Selection: Naid Du Misselot
Danger 1: Slash And Burn
Danger 2: Buck The Legend

Doncaster 2:15 SG HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 4) - 2m3f110y

A nice and easy race here with 19 set to take part in a tough handicap hurdle, most of which look exposed and unlikely to improve in the future. The one exception to that is Puy D’Arnac who only has had 2 runs in the sphere, winning his debut before falling next time out. He has improved with racing on the flat and his handicap mark is based on last season’s efforts, which suggest that he should improve for the switch back to hurdling. He would like a bit of cut in the ground, which should come with overnight rain, and as such he is the selection. The dangers may come from Important Business and Smugglers Bay, the former has been running in much better races than this and has shown glimpses of running up to his handicap mark whilst the latter has potential and ran well to a point last time before blundering a hurdle and weakening fast. This race is wide open and not many of the field can be ruled out with much confidence. - JB

Selection: Puy D’Arnac

Danger 1: Important Business
Danger 2: Smugglers Bay

Cheltenham 2:30 BOYLESPORTS.COM GOLD CUP (HANDICAP CHASE) GRADE 3 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

Imperial Commander obviously must be respected but my selection is going to be Fingeronthepulse who put in an average show last time out against Noland who has since gone on to G1 glory. The main danger is Silverburn who ended all chances 3 out when Imperial Commander beat him so convincely, the weight difference is much reduced now so he surely has all the chances to be closer, don't think he'll get past though.

Selection: Fingeronthepulse
Danger 1: Imperial Commander
Danger 2: Silverburn

Doncaster 2:45 Betdaq The Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (Class 2) (4 y o+) 3m

This interesting 3 mile Handicap Chase throws up a few useful sorts. Top weight is the Paul Nicholls trained Leading Attraction. He is fairly inexperienced with just 5 lifetime starts under rules. He has never been out of the places either in those races. He was beaten on his first run this season at Wincanton on soft ground but his better results have been on better ground which he should get here. He’s won over this trip and Sam Thomas takes the ride. In with a shout. Standin Obligation was once a very smart Novice hurdler and chaser but has lost his way over the last 2 years. He’s having his first start of the season and if he can re-capture some of the old sparkle then he could place. The distance or ground won’t be a problem to him. Another Promise is another who offered much but didn’t really deliver. Injury kept him off the track for a while and his first run this term ended with him being pulled up. There are better prospects in this race. One such horse is Ice Tea who won his last start at Wetherby. Another who has won over the distance and with no ground worries either he could make the frame. King Harald is a course and distance winner who in his time has won some nice races. Maybe age is now catching up with him now. He’s the oldest in the race and was pulled up last time. He may want further these days. 2 others in with every chance are Apollo Creed and Brave Rebellion. The former won races between 2 and 3 miles over the summer, although not in the class. The latter is unknown over this trip. All his wins have been at 2 and 2 ½ miles. He has a stone in hand over the top weight and if he lasts home he will have a good chance. – VE

Selection: Leading Attraction
Danger 1: Brave Rebellion
Danger 2: Apollo Creed

Cheltenham 3:05 BOYLESPORTS.COM INTERNATIONAL (HURDLE) GRADE 2 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

What a great race. 5 in with chances, the promising Binocular who failed at last seasons festival. Chelts is an interesting course, the horse has to like it but surely he can put those demons to rest. Katchit loves the course but hasn't shown past form this season, cannot possibly be discounted though! Crack Away Jack and Chomba Womba to fill the final spot, difficult decision but will side with Chomba on account of Nicky Henderson's fine form.

Selection: Binocular
Danger 1: Katchit
Danger 2: Chomba Womba

Doncaster 3:20 Betdaq In Running At 1% Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (3 y o+) 2m 110yd
12 runners due to go to post in this tricky handicap hurdle. Every horse in the field has won at this distance some none can really be discounted on stamina issues. Top weight is Amazing King. He is looking for a 3rd victory in the last 4 weeks following an AW success on the flat and last time out at Musselburgh. Jockey James Reveley claims 3lbs which will help a little. At the other end of the weights is Duke Of Touraine. Having only his 3rd run over hurdles this 3 year old has won 2 and been 2nd in the other. The yard has been under the weather but if all clear then should run a big race. Stable mate Riquez Dancer is another in with a chance. He once beat Kalahari King in a novice hurdle although in the next race he finished 2nd to one who re-opposes here, Lazy Darren. Lazy Darren ran in the Haydock procession won by Binocular the other week. He and Riquez Dancer should be close to one another again. Gringo has had placed efforts on his last 2 starts. They were however at a lower class and when previously upped in class, he’s been found wanting. Los Nadis could have place claims. Ryan Mania takes off 7lbs finished runner up to Binocular in the Haydock race. Beaten last time by Amazing King when giving weight away, he is now receiving it. – VE

Selection: Duke Of Touraine
Danger 1: Los Nadis
Danger 2: Amazing King

Scoop 3 selections:

1. Puy D’Arnac
2. Leading Attraction
3. Duke Of Touraine