KELSO: Saturday 04th March
13:15 CYRIL ALEXANDER MEMORIAL NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
(CLASS 3) (GBB RACE) (CL 3) 2m 5 1/2 f
SHOLOKJACK (1) has been given a hike in the weights for recent Lingfield success. Will clearly demand more from the Dan Skelton-trained runner but it would be no shock if he were up to the task. The son of Sholokhov jumped with aplomb on just his second outing over fences and should have a bright chasing future.
Previous course and distance winner BILL BAXTER (4) looked to be making his challenge when falling four-out at Hereford recently and must be respected running off an unchanged mark. This mark looks well within range for CASTLE RUSHEN (3) who was travelling smoothly when unseating at Newcastle recently. MIAH GRACE (2) is one for the each-way players.
13:50 MOREBATTLE HURDLE
(A HANDICAP HURDLE RACE) (CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m
A fiercely competitive handicap hurdle. Slight preference is for the four-year-old MCTIGUE (7) who brings an interesting profile for this first handicap start over obstacles. Emmet Mullins’ charge comes out well on the weight for age scale and clearly has plenty of ability having won a G2 (Hurdle) in France. Connections won this race in 2021 and are taken to do so once more with the return to a sounder surface also no issue.
Kempton winner DEERE MARK (13) looks progressive and can feature upped in weight. Talented TEDDY BLUE (10) is respected following a good third in a competitive event at Newbury off 5 lbs higher. L’EAU DU SUD (8) remains unexposed for a top yard and COLONEL MUSTARD (1) needs including.
14:25 PREMIER NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE
(CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 2f
This stiff 2m 2f looks sure to play to the strengths of NEMEAN LION (9) having kept on well to finish third in the G1 Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown in January. There should be plenty more to come from Kerry Lee’s son of Golden Horn on just his fourth start over hurdles. Bold bid looks on the cards.
Hurdling debutant FERONILY (5) showed some smart form when third in the G2 Future Stars jumpers flat at Leopardstown and makes obvious appeal for shrewd Irish connections. ACCIDENTAL REBEL (1) carries a penalty for winning the G2 Persian War at Chepstow in October but cannot be ruled out. Recent Newcastle maiden hurdle winner COLONEL HARRY (4) steps back up in grade.
15:00 HANDICAP HURDLE RACE
(CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m 5f
A whole host of last-time-out winners taking each other on in what looks like a tricky event to assess. The hat-trick chasing DANCEWITHTHEWIND (9) always looked in command when scoring over 2m here fifteen days ago and is given the nod with the step up in trip with no issue.
WELL EDUCATED (8) has won four of his last five outings and looks sure to put up a bold show racing off 5lbs higher than when winning at Catterick recently. Comfortable Chepstow scorer SANTOS BLUE (7) commands consideration in current form with this stamina test to suit. RAFFERTY’S RETURN (3) and CLAY ROGERS (6) both hold each-way claims.
15:35 PREMIER STEEPLE CHASE
(CLASS 1) (Listed Race) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 7 1/2 f
THE SHUNTER (4) looks interesting back over fences for notable connections having been last seen running a good race to finish fourth in a competitive handicap on the flat at Naas in November. May be susceptible as a ten-year-old to progressive LE MILOS (2). He made it five from nine over fences with a gutsy performance in a handicap chase at Newbury three months ago and looks well worth a crack upped to Listed company.
ZANZA (1) carries a penalty for winning the G2 Denman Chase at Newbury but it has to be a concern that his best form comes at that venue. WISHING AND HOPING (5) is also worth consideration.
NEWBURY: Saturday 04th March
14:10 NON-RUNNER-NO-BET AT CHELTENHAM SENIORS’ HANDICAP HURDLE RACE
(CLASS 3) (CL 3) 2m 4 1/2 f
DARGIANNINI (1) put a fall behind him when winning by 7L in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter five weeks ago. Looks capable of following up. WHATSUPWITHYOU (10) rates a threat on the back of an 8.5L fifth in a handicap hurdle at Kempton.
LOCK’S CORNER (3) won twice prior to a 6.7L fifth over in a Huntingdon handicap hurdle. Shortlist. JAY BEE WHY (2) registered a 4.5L third in a handicap hurdle at Newbury 21 days ago. Warrants close consideration.
14:45 GREATWOOD GOLD CUP HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
(CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 4f
ZANZA (2) won by 7L when contesting the G2 Denman Chase over 2m 6f at this venue three weeks ago. Looks capable of recording a third win in his last four starts.
PAINT THE DREAM (1) registered a 19L third in the G2 Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton in January. Expected to deliver a big effort. LORD BADDESLEY (7) won a novices’ handicap chase by 4.5L at Plumpton last month. Shortlist. GEMIRANDE (6) rates a threat following a 5.5L victory in a handicap chase at Wetherby.
DONCASTER: Saturday 04th March
13:30 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL MONEY BACK HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
(CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 2m 1/2 f
PAY THE PIPER (1) travelled and jumped well when scoring over this distance at Musselburgh 27 days ago. A rise in the weights demands more this time around but he remains relatively unexposed over over fences and should have more to offer.
Although clearly flattered by the winning margin CALICO (4) cannot be ignored following his second to a high-class horse in the G2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick. XCITATIONS (3) is two from three over course and distance and tough to dismiss following a second off this mark at Wetherby. With a record of five from seven over fences MACKENBERG (2) needs including.
15:15 GRIMTHORPE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE
(CLASS 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 2) 3m 2f
The class-act DOES HE KNOW (1) has to give plenty of weight away but should put up a bold bid after a good third in the G2 Denman Chase at Newbury last start. Slender preference goes the way of COOPER’S CROSS (6).
The fitting of cheekpieces looked to have a significant effect when winning here 35 days ago and he can follow up. WINDSOR AVENUE (3) finished a solid fourth in that competitive course handicap chase and must enter calculations off 3LBS lower. CASTLE ROBIN (4) made it four from eight over fences with a hard-fought success at Sandown last outing and could yet have more to offer. Each-way claims go the way of UNDERSUPERVISION (7).
