This response works through all the Cheltenham races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses, summarising their recent form and comments, providing the Spotlight Verdict, detailing the race statistics, and assessing the chances of the top two contenders.

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1.15 William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Classic King (IRE) and East India Express (IRE).

Recent Form and Comments

• Classic King (7yo):
  • Recent form figures are 1U132-.
  • Had jumping issues over fences last autumn, though he still managed a win.
  • Reverted to hurdling and was in good form after the turn of the year.
  • He resumes on a career-high mark and needs summer wind surgery to enable improvement.
• East India Express (6yo):
  • Recent form figures are U1171-.
  • He drew 6l clear of Whatsupwithyou on the New course here (2m4f, good) at the end of last season.
  • He is now 4-8 over hurdles.
  • A subsequent 8lb rise asks quite a lot of him, but further progress is possible.

Spotlight Verdict

Unlucky to come to grief on his recent handicap debut, FRENCH SHIP was a very promising novice hurdler last season and can gain compensation here. His stablemate Saint Anapolino made very good progress in the early part of this year and, with very good 5lb claimer Callum Pritchard enlisted, he may provide the main threat. Bowensonfire is next on the list, ahead of Sign Again and Montecam.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 4yo 0-0-8, 5yo 4-5-37, 6yo 3-11-48, 7yo 1-7-35, 8yo 1-2-16, 9yo 1-1-13, 10yo 0-1-4, 11yo 0-0-2. (5yo and 6yo have the highest representation and win/place records).
• Fate of Favourites: 4201401046.
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Charlie Longsdon 1-2-3, John C McConnell 1-1-4, Nicky Henderson 1-2-8, Dan Skelton 0-1-2, Evan Williams 0-2-5, Fergal O’Brien 0-2-6, Gordon Elliott 0-1-5, Robert Stephens 0-1-1.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Classic King:
  • Strengths: Reverted to hurdles in good form.
  • Weaknesses: Resumes on a career-high mark; previously had jumping issues over fences.
  • Suitability: Needs his summer wind surgery to facilitate improvement.
• East India Express:
  • Strengths: Proven winner at this track (New course, 2m4f); has a strong hurdles record (4 wins from 8 starts); capable of further progress.
  • Weaknesses: Hit with an 8lb rise after his last win, making this a much tougher assignment.

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1.50 Holland Cooper ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase (Class 2)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Alnilam (FR) and King Of Kingsfield (IRE).

Recent Form and Comments

• Alnilam (6yo):
  • Recent form figures are 2125-1.
  • Was runner-up in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso (2m, good to soft) in March.
  • Made all on his first chase start recently, beating Country Mile in a three-runner beginners’ chase at Uttoxeter (2m, good).
  • He could have more to offer over fences.
• King Of Kingsfield (7yo):
  • Recent form figures are 4-1131.
  • Won two consecutive races this summer when back over fences (2m2f/2m1f, good).
  • Landed a Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2m2f, good to yielding) last week.
  • Seems versatile regarding ground and is noted as a key player today.

Spotlight Verdict

Course novice hurdle winner COUNTRY MILE was beaten by Alnilam on his recent chase debut at Uttoxeter but is 5lb better off with the winner today and could have plenty more to offer over fences. Alnilam is respected but a greater danger to the selection could come from King Of Kingsfield who won a Grade 3 novice chase at Punchestown last week.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 4yo 0-0-2, 5yo 2-2-10, 6yo 3-1-19, 7yo 4-1-15, 8yo 0-1-4, 9yo 1-1-3. (6yo and 7yo have the most wins historically).
• Fate of Favourites: 1121111211. (The favourite wins frequently in this race type).
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Dan Skelton 2-0-6, Gavin Cromwell 2-0-2, Paul Nicholls 1-0-7, Gordon Elliott 0-2-2.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Alnilam:
  • Strengths: Impressive winner on his chasing debut; proven on good ground; scope for more improvement over fences.
  • Weaknesses: Faces tough competition; is 5lb worse off with Country Mile for beating him by about 4l previously.
  • Suitability: One to consider given his potential over the bigger obstacles.
• King Of Kingsfield:
  • Strengths: Exceptional recent form over fences, including a Grade 3 win last week; proven versatility regarding ground.
  • Weaknesses: Quick turnaround after winning a Grade 3 just last week.
  • Suitability: Key player in this contest.

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2.25 Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Cavern Club (IRE) and King William Rufus (FR).

Recent Form and Comments

• Cavern Club (5yo):
  • Recent form figures are -33114.
  • Won the valuable Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen (2m, good) in July.
  • Followed up with a close fourth in another competitive handicap over the same course and distance last month.
  • He is also suited by this track.
• King William Rufus (8yo):
  • Recent form figures are 0-7133.
  • Scored two wins last season, the latest being a gamely-held win in a 16-runner handicap on the New course here (2m1f, good) in April.
  • He needs another career-best performance today.

Spotlight Verdict

Dual novice hurdle winner Charging Thunder has improved on the Flat since finishing fourth on his handicap hurdle last December and needs to be taken very seriously here but another chance can be given to ZAOCHEN ENKI, who raced too freely when turned over at short odds in April but created a good impression on his British debut the time before and remains very unexposed. Rubber Ball and Gold For Alec also still have potential.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 3yo 1-0-1, 4yo 1-1-16, 5yo 4-6-42, 6yo 3-10-36, 7yo 0-2-16, 8yo 0-4-9, 9yo 1-0-12, 10yo 0-0-3, 11yo 0-0-3. (5yo and 6yo dominate the winners and runners).
• Fate of Favourites: 6522120112.
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Fergal O’Brien 2-3-11, Paul Nicholls 2-1-7, Chris Gordon 1-1-3, Cian Collins 1-0-1, Donald McCain 0-2-3.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Cavern Club:
  • Strengths: Consistent in competitive handicap company recently; proven ability at this track.
  • Weaknesses: Already seems closely marked based on recent form, implying little margin for error.
  • Suitability: Should run close.
• King William Rufus:
  • Strengths: A previous course winner who held on gamely here in April.
  • Weaknesses: Needs a career-best effort to win today.

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3.00 Oddschecker Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Sir Galahad (IRE) and Jack Hyde (IRE). (Note: The Last Cloud is also listed among the highest rated).

Recent Form and Comments

• Sir Galahad (4yo):
  • Recent form figures are -11142.
  • Has won 4 of 6 starts over hurdles.
  • His recent defeats came in Class 2 handicaps at Market Rasen.
  • He might have won his last start had he jumped slightly better.
  • Wears cheekpieces for the first time in this discipline, a headgear tried successfully on the Flat.
• Jack Hyde (7yo):
  • Recent form figures are 32-111. (Note: The listed form figures in do not reflect the descriptive form in).
  • Showed strong handicap form when signing off last season (4th of 17 at Aintree).
  • Returned this season with a comfortable defeat of Jaminska.
  • Let himself down by pulling too hard when running in the Grade 2 Persian War.

Spotlight Verdict

If there’s a really smart one on show here it could be UN SENS A LA VIE who has looked good in both his runs under rules. He brings a strikingly similar profile to top-class stablemate Potters Charm who won the other novice hurdle on this card 12 months ago, and this 5yo is seemingly held in similar regard. Jack Hyde (second choice) and Fortune De Mer could do with settling better in their races but both retain significant potential.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 4yo 2-1-14, 5yo 6-7-32, 6yo 1-2-8, 7yo 1-1-3. (5yo are the most successful age group).
• Fate of Favourites: 1353321352.
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Dan Skelton 1-1-5, John C McConnell 1-0-1, Fergal O’Brien 0-1-2, Olly Murphy 0-2-5.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Sir Galahad:
  • Strengths: Solid hurdle record (4-6); applying successful Flat headgear (cheekpieces) to hurdling.
  • Weaknesses: May lack the potential of some rivals in this high-grade contest; jumping errors noted previously.
• Jack Hyde:
  • Strengths: Possesses raw ability and recent winning form.
  • Weaknesses: Temperament issue, noted for pulling too hard in a Grade 2 race; needs to settle better.

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3.35 squareintheair.com Handicap Chase (Class 2)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Calico (GER) and Third Time Lucki (IRE).

Recent Form and Comments

• Calico (9yo):
  • Recent form figures are 13432-.
  • Raced prominently and narrowly repelled Matata to win this race 12 months ago.
  • Produced similar strong form recently, placing third to Brookie and runner-up in the Red Rum.
  • Fully entitled to feature off his current mark.
• Third Time Lucki (10yo):
  • Recent form figures are 505-11.
  • He had struggles after his promising start over fences for the Skeltons.
  • Returned to good form with small-field handicap wins at Bangor and Uttoxeter (both on good ground).
  • Is effective on softer ground.

Spotlight Verdict

Calico is weighted to confirm last year’s placings with MATATA (nap) but the selection should be the happier of the two on this slower surface and he can be hard to pass when getting into a rhythm up front. This mark is not beyond him. Henry De Bromhead has been having winners for fun in Ireland and his second-season chaser Jasko Des Dames (second choice) has the benefit of a recent run under his belt, as does the also respected Traprain Law.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 4yo 0-0-1, 5yo 0-2-6, 6yo 3-2-16, 7yo 1-3-18, 8yo 5-3-31, 9yo 1-3-17, 10yo 0-4-9, 11yo 0-0-5, 12yo 0-0-2. (8yo is the most successful age group).
• Fate of Favourites: 01231316F2.
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Dan Skelton 1-1-7, Henry De Bromhead 1-1-4.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Calico:
  • Strengths: Course and distance winner who beat a chief rival (Matata) previously in this race; maintains strong form; weighted favourably.
  • Weaknesses: Would not appreciate softening ground.
• Third Time Lucki:
  • Strengths: Recently revitalised with back-to-back handicap wins; effective on softer ground.
  • Weaknesses: Returns to a far classier company where he may be exposed.

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4.10 Champions: Full Gallop Streaming On ITVX Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Don Virginia (FR) and Percy Shelley.

Recent Form and Comments

• Don Virginia (5yo):
  • Recent form figures are -21321.
  • Improved dramatically in first-time cheekpieces four weeks ago to make all and win by 17 lengths (2m4f, good).
  • His new mark follows a 19lb hike.
  • If the new mark is accurate, he should be competitive at this level.
• Percy Shelley (6yo):
  • Recent form figures are 11.
  • Had useful form on the Flat before winning comfortably on his hurdling debut at Uttoxeter (2m4f, good).
  • He subsequently enjoyed a walkover at Ludlow.
  • Is one to consider given his Flat ability and ability to jump.

Spotlight Verdict

There’s no standout contender in what doesn’t look that strong a novice by Cheltenham standards. It’s interesting that Irish point runner-up Leader Crik is introduced in a race his yard won last year with Potters Charm. Dalston Lad and Etna Bianco are respected on their hurdling debuts. However, ARCH EMPIRE is now an experienced hurdler whose peak form reads well and he probably needs further than 2m now.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 4yo 0-0-4, 5yo 6-9-38, 6yo 4-3-16, 7yo 0-1-6, 8yo 0-0-3. (5yo horses have the highest win and place count).
• Fate of Favourites: 3111121311.
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Martin Keighley 1-0-2, Dan Skelton 0-1-4, Gordon Elliott 0-5-8, Joe Tizzard 0-1-1.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Don Virginia:
  • Strengths: Showed monumental improvement last time (17l winner) with the application of cheekpieces.
  • Weaknesses: Hit hard by the handicapper (19lb rise); needs to prove he can repeat that level of form in higher company.
• Percy Shelley:
  • Strengths: Useful Flat ability suggesting underlying class; comfortable winner on hurdling debut over this trip; potential is significant.
  • Weaknesses: Lacks experience in competitive hurdle contests at this level.

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4.45 Santa – The Visit Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (Class 3)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated: Kelce (IRE) and Regarde (IRE).

Recent Form and Comments

• Kelce (7yo):
  • Recent form figures are 21F21-.
  • Is a front-runner who has won 2 of 6 starts over fences.
  • Won a three-runner contest at Wetherby (3m, good) in March.
  • May still have more to offer this season.
• Regarde (8yo):
  • Recent form figures are 13P12-.
  • Won twice (3m/3m4f) during a light campaign last season.
  • Finished off last season with a credible second of 14 on the New course here (3m4f, good) in April; that form has since been boosted.
  • Had a third wind operation during the summer.

Spotlight Verdict

Several of these have possibilities but perhaps the most interesting runner is KALANISI FLASH, who shaped well before weakening into third on his chasing debut in August. That was his first run since spring 2024, the form was boosted this month and he’s very unexposed as a stayer. Regarde chased home a progressive rival over 3m4f.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups (W-PL-R): 5yo 0-1-2, 6yo 1-2-17, 7yo 2-9-51, 8yo 3-5-32, 9yo 3-4-26, 10yo 1-4-25, 11yo 0-2-12, 12yo 0-0-1, 13yo 0-0-1. (7yo horses have run most frequently and placed heavily).
• Fate of Favourites: 3650PP0P06. (Favourites rarely win this race historically).
• Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Ben Pauling 1-2-7, Christian Williams 1-3-9, Henry Daly 1-1-4, Gordon Elliott 0-2-7, Jamie Snowden 0-1-1, Neil Mulholland 0-2-8, Seamus Mullins 0-1-3.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Kelce:
  • Strengths: Proven front-runner with recent winning chase form; potential for further progress this season.
  • Weaknesses: Reappears in a significantly tougher race today.
• Regarde:
  • Strengths: Proven stayer (won over 3m4f); high-quality run at Cheltenham when second in April (form boosted); third wind operation might aid performance.
  • Weaknesses: Needs to return in peak condition after the summer break and surgery.