This Listed mares’ handicap chase has been won by some progressive sorts, but it also has a habit of throwing up a surprise when the pace collapses or a well-handicapped Irish raider gets it right on the day. The 2025 renewal looks tactically interesting with a predicted even gallop, and crucially, no standout pace bully, meaning we’re in for a stamina-laced, class-on-the-day kind of battle.

🌟 Strongest Contender – A PENNY A HUNDRED (FR)

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: D.E. Mullins
TimeWise Rank: #1
Timeform Peak Adj: 138

She arrives under the radar but tops the TimeWise ratings. Her effort behind Spindleberry in a Listed chase last time was better than it looked — she was doing her best work late and this stiffer finish will suit. Her Fairyhouse and Ballinrobe chase runs earlier in the season showed clear ability in mares’ company, and this mark looks lenient relative to her Timeform figure of 138.

🗨 Timeform Comment: “Plugged on… should be suited by a return to 3m” — stamina is her game.

🔍 Go Day Clues:

• 54-day layoff feels like a deliberate prep cycle.
• No Townend here, but D.E. Mullins gets plenty of winners when sent over solo.
• This isn’t a Grade 1 trip — a winnable Premier handicap that fits her profile.

🚩 Concerns:

• Distance a tad shy of ideal — she may need an end-to-end gallop.
• Mullins is just 1-from-18 in Cheltenham handicap chases — this isn’t a fortress for the yard.

🏁 Verdict: If the leaders cut each other’s throats, she’s the late closer to come storming through. TimeWise top, and very much a ‘go’ signal from the way she’s been placed here.

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🟡 Main Danger – JUDICIEUSE ALLEN (FR)

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: S.F. O’Keeffe
TimeWise Rank: #2
Timeform Peak Adj: 142

The more naturally talented of the Mullins pair, she won two chases earlier in the season and has shown a sharp turn of foot, which could be crucial here. She bombed out behind Spindleberry last time — but so did Penny, and this is much easier. Rated 133, she’s well-in based on her Timeform peak of 142.

🗨 Timeform Note: “Useful form over fences… tried in hood”

🔍 Go Day Clues:

• First try in a handicap — classic Mullins move at this meeting.
• Hood now left off, suggesting they want her more settled, more aggressive.

🚩 Concerns:

• That flop last time wasn’t subtle — finished last of five, well-beaten.
• Like her stablemate, trainer stats at Cheltenham h’cap chases are a concern (low win rate).

🏁 Verdict: Based on TimeWise figs, she’s right there. If she’s on a “go” and not just getting a run into her, she can win — but she’ll need to bounce back mentally. Market vibes will tell plenty.

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🔺 Lurking Threat – PARTY VIBES (IRE)

Trainer: Henry Daly
Jockey: David Bass
Timeform Adj: 139+

Won her last two chases at Exeter and Leicester and has been quietly progressive. Mahler mares are a strong statistical angle at Cheltenham in these races (20% strike rate), and David Bass rides this track well (20% win rate in h’cap chases last 5 years).

🗨 Timeform Note: “Asserted gradually run-in”

🔍 Go Day Clues:

• Daly doesn’t waste runners here — and this is the most progressive horse in his yard right now.
• Bass is an aggressive pace judge, and the even tempo should help him stalk and pounce.

🚩 Concerns:

• May not get her usual front-running setup — there are others who like to be handy.
• Her last two wins came in much smaller fields, and this is a deeper pool.

🏁 Verdict: Feels like a true trier — might not win, but she’ll be trying like hell. Solid place contender with upside if others underperform.

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🧯 Handbrake Watch / ‘Not Today’ Vibes

GEORGI GIRL (IRE)

Trainer: Hobbs & Johnson White | Jockey: Ben Jones

• Chase form has been underwhelming, and the yard is 0-from-26 in these events at Cheltenham.
• Looks like she’s running for experience.

MIGHTY MOTH (IRE)

Trainer: Noel Williams | Jockey: James Davies

• Stays on galloper, fair effort behind Party Vibes last time but lacks that extra spark.
• James Davies is 0-from-6 in these races.
• Possibly just happy to pick up black type with a finish in the frame.

THEATRE NATIVE (IRE)

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

• Plenty of ability, consistent chaser — but Rachael Blackmore is 1/17 in Cheltenham h’cap chases.
• Strong enough profile but perhaps not fully tuned for this specific test.
• Getaway-sired mares are 0-from-29 in these races — that’s not nothing.

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🔎 Summary – Who’s Trying vs Who’s Just Running?

Horse	Timeform Rating	Trainer Intent	Go-Day?	Verdict
A Penny A Hundred	⭐ #1	✅ Plotted target	✅ Yes	Strong staying threat late
Judicieuse Allen	⭐ #2	🔄 Bounce needed	✅ Yes	Peak if right mentally
Party Vibes	High 130s	✅ Progressive	✅ Yes	Dangers if allowed to dictate
Not Staying Long	High 140s (raw)	❓ Setup suits	🔄 Maybe	Might be pace-dependent
Theatre Native	Mid-130s	❓ Honest but short	❌ Not sure	Ground fine, but stats poor
Ilovethenightlife	Low-130s	❌ Just a runner?	❌ Unlikely	Tired profile, no signals