Welcome to a fantastic day of National Hunt racing, with high-quality cards at both the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse and Doncaster. The day’s action features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans clashing in competitive handicaps, exciting novices taking their first steps over new obstacles, and intriguing match-ups that promise to provide significant clues for the season ahead. We’ll proceed chronologically through the day’s races, breaking down the key contenders and statistics for each contest.

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1. 11:40 Doncaster – Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase

The day kicks off with an intriguing two-runner match race over the fences at Doncaster. While small in field size, this contest pits two promising staying chasers against each other, offering a classic clash between a proven course-and-distance winner and a rival with significant potential for improvement.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Moon Rocket (Total: 371)

2. Gamesters Guy (Total: 254)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Moon Rocket:

    ◦ This useful novice hurdler made a comfortable and winning start to his chasing career over this exact course and distance (C&D) just two weeks ago.

    ◦ He represents an in-form yard, and there is every expectation that he has more improvement to come in this sphere.

• Gamesters Guy:

    ◦ On his chase debut at Ayr, he matched his best hurdles RPR despite fading late after a bad mistake two out, which was not his only jumping error.

    ◦ He is entitled to have sharpened up for that reappearance run and has the ability to challenge if he can minimise the jumping mistakes.

Overall Assessment

This boils down to a classic test of proven form against raw potential. Moon Rocket brings the undeniable strength of a comfortable C&D victory to the table, confirming his aptitude for the task. The penalty he carries is his only real burden. In the other corner, Gamesters Guy has the scope to improve markedly from his debut, but his jumping was a significant weakness. For him to succeed, a far more polished performance over the fences is non-negotiable.

Spotlight Verdict

Two very useful sorts clash in this match race, with MOON ROCKET selected to make it 2-2 over C&D since being switched to fences. [Andrew Sheret]

With the opener at Doncaster assessed, our focus now shifts to the first race from the prestigious Cheltenham meeting.

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2. 12:05 Cheltenham – British EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle

A highly competitive Class 2 novices’ hurdle is next, and it has the makings of an exceptional contest. The field is packed with talent, featuring no fewer than eight last-time-out winners, making this a fascinating puzzle with significant implications for future top-level races.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Lisbane Park (Total: 352)

2. Our Boy Stan (Total: 348)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Lisbane Park:

    ◦ An Irish point-to-point runner-up who was subsequently sold for £110,000.

    ◦ He made a very taking rules debut at Exeter five weeks ago, winning a six-runner novice hurdle by nearly four lengths with little difficulty. He is considered an exciting prospect.

• Our Boy Stan:

    ◦ A half-brother to the useful Go Dante, he was a runner-up in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham on his debut.

    ◦ He has since won a bumper and a novice hurdle, both in small fields. The form requires significant improvement to be competitive at this level, but he is progressing.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo (3-4-28), 5yo (6-9-37), 6yo (1-1-9)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last ten favourites are: 3, 0 (denotes an unplaced finish), 2, 1, 1, 2, 5, 3, 1, 4.

• Trainer Records: Dan Skelton (2-1-6), Nicky Henderson (2-3-8), David Pipe (1-0-2), Fergal O’Brien (1-1-4), Harry Fry (0-1-1).

Overall Assessment

The challenge for Lisbane Park is to prove his “exciting prospect” status is warranted as he steps up markedly in class. His strength is the visually impressive and decisive manner of his debut win, but this is a far deeper pool. For Our Boy Stan, the task is even clearer. While he is on an upward curve, the quality of his form is a distinct weakness, and the bare facts suggest he needs a career-best performance by some margin to trouble the principals.

Spotlight Verdict

Eight last-time-out winners make this a race packed with major promise. Old Park Star (second choice) and Lisbane Park left highly favourable impressions with their good-ground wins last month but slight preference is for MULLAGHGLOSS after his strong-galloping performance from the front on more testing ground at Thurles. Kingston Queen may be the other principal contender.[Richard Austen]

The action now returns to Doncaster for a competitive handicap chase.

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3. 12:15 Doncaster – Magnavale Handicap Chase

This handicap chase serves as a qualifier for the Go North Red Rum Series and presents an interesting betting puzzle. The field is a blend of seasoned veterans, some of whom are returning to form, and less-exposed chasers who could have untapped potential.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Ladronne (Total: 306)

2. Top Target (Total: 285)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Ladronne:

    ◦ This 11-year-old veteran demonstrated he retains plenty of ability with a comfortable victory at Sedgefield 18 days ago.

    ◦ Despite a 5lb rise in the handicap for that win, he is expected to remain competitive for his in-form stable.

• Top Target:

    ◦ A lightly raced seven-year-old who made a sound start to his chasing career when third at Wetherby six weeks ago.

    ◦ He is expected to build on that effort, with the step up in trip likely to suit. His yard continues in excellent form.

Race Statistics

Summary statistics for this specific race, including Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, and Trainer Records, are not provided in the source material.

Overall Assessment

This race presents a classic clash of profiles: the proven, battle-hardened veteran against the unexposed potential of a younger rival. Ladronne’s strength is his confirmed well-being, courtesy of a recent comfortable win. His weakness is the combination of his age and a subsequent 5lb rise in the weights. Conversely, Top Target’s profile is all about potential; as a lightly raced improver from a red-hot stable, his upside is his greatest asset. His relative inexperience is the main question he has to answer.

Spotlight Verdict

With his stable continuing to knock in the winners on a regular basis, TOP TARGET is given a chance to build on his promising chase debut third at Wetherby. Lilting Verse may provide the main threat ahead of recent Sedgefield scorer Ladronne. [Andrew Sheret]

We now switch back to Cheltenham for another intriguing novices’ chase.

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4. 12:40 Cheltenham – Santa – “The Visit” “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase

This Class 2 novices’ chase presents a quality four-runner field. The race dynamic revolves around a penalty-carrier with recent chase experience taking on a trio of chasing newcomers, including one with considerable potential from a yard with an excellent record in this contest.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Califet En Vol (Total: 374)

2. Sixmilebridge (Total: 350)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Califet En Vol:

    ◦ He won a Listed novice hurdle last season and brings considerable potential to his chase debut, having been a point-to-point runner-up.

    ◦ His top trainer, Nicky Henderson, boasts a formidable record in this race, with four wins from eight runners.

• Sixmilebridge:

    ◦ He carries a 5lb penalty for winning a warm beginners’ chase at Ayr on his debut over fences last month.

    ◦ While his jumping wasn’t foot-perfect on that occasion, he is open to improvement and is considered a key player. He was also first past the post in a Grade 2 hurdle here in January before being disqualified.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo (3-1-13), 6yo (3-3-20), 7yo (2-1-7), 8yo (1-0-2), 9yo (0-0-1)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last nine favourites are: 1, 5, 3, 5, 1, 3, 1, 2, 3.

• Trainer Records: Nicky Henderson (4-0-8), Dan Skelton (1-1-5)

Overall Assessment

This is a showdown between untapped potential and proven chase form. Califet En Vol’s case is built on his hurdling class and his trainer’s dominant record in this very race, making him a hugely exciting recruit to fences. His obvious weakness is that this is his debut over the larger obstacles. Sixmilebridge has the significant advantage of a chase win already to his name, but that strength is offset by the 5lb penalty he must carry and the memory of some less-than-fluent jumping on debut.

Spotlight Verdict

Nicky Henderson has a fine record in this race and Listed novice hurdle winner CALIFET EN VOL is taken to make a winning start over fences. Sixmilebridge won at Ayr on his chase debut and is feared most under a 5lb penalty, while Dan Skelton’s chasing newcomer Royal Infantry could also be firmly involved.[Ben Hutton]

From the Cheltenham fences, we head north to Doncaster for a juvenile hurdle.

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5. 12:50 Doncaster – Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice Juvenile Maiden Hurdle

This juvenile maiden hurdle, a qualifier for the Go North Night Nurse Series, brings together a field of three-year-olds making their way in the sport. The race features several intriguing recruits from the Flat, with market confidence likely to be a significant guide to their chances on hurdling debut.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Whatsgoingonmarvin (Total: 261)

2. Dissident (Total: 219)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Whatsgoingonmarvin:

    ◦ A useful winner on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, with victories at up to an extended 1m6f, including on soft ground.

    ◦ He was acquired by new connections for 115,000gns and is considered a likely type for this discipline.

• Dissident:

    ◦ He failed to progress during his Flat career and was beaten 23 lengths when third on his hurdling debut at Kempton.

    ◦ His jumping lacked fluency on that occasion, and significant improvement will be required for him to feature here.

Overall Assessment

The analysis here pits a high-class Flat recruit against a rival with hurdling experience. Whatsgoingonmarvin’s strength is his strong and stamina-laden form on the level, which provides an excellent foundation for a jumping career. His weakness is the complete unknown of his aptitude for hurdling. Dissident has the minor strength of a run under his belt, but the weakness is the comprehensive nature of his debut defeat, where both his jumping and finishing effort were found wanting.

Spotlight Verdict

Strong market support for Dan Skelton newcomer Dream’s Ka could prove significant but WHATSGOINGONMARVIN has built a solid platform for juvenile hurdles with three Flat wins since July and he is preferred before any betting clues are known. [Andrew Sheret]

Attention now returns to Cheltenham for a competitive handicap hurdle.

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6. 1:15 Cheltenham – Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle

This Class 3 handicap hurdle over two miles is a fiercely competitive affair, featuring progressive younger horses taking on more established handicappers. With several contenders arriving in top form, it promises to be a thrilling and informative contest.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Fortune De Mer (Total: 366)

2. French Emperor (Total: 334)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Fortune De Mer:

    ◦ This headstrong five-year-old won a Grade 2 novice hurdle here in October and followed that with a narrow defeat on his handicap debut at Ascot.

    ◦ He is open to further improvement for a top yard and is expected to play a leading role.

• French Emperor:

    ◦ A lightly raced and clearly progressive five-year-old who is unbeaten in two handicap starts this season, winning at Worcester and following up in a big field here last month.

    ◦ A 7lb rise for his latest victory may not be enough to stop his progress.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo (1-0-1), 4yo (0-6-24), 5yo (5-9-33), 6yo (3-2-26), 7yo (1-2-17), 8yo (0-2-11), 9yo (0-1-7), 10yo (0-0-3)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last nine favourites are: 4, 6, 3, 1, 3, 2, 6, 1, 2.

• Trainer Records: Fergal O’Brien (1-0-7), Martin Keighley (1-1-3), Dan Skelton (0-2-9), Nicky Henderson (0-5-7)

Overall Assessment

This contest pits two highly progressive five-year-olds against each other. Fortune De Mer’s strength is his Grade 2-winning novice form at this very track, which suggests he has the class to defy his handicap mark. His tendency to race keenly is the main chink in his armour. In contrast, French Emperor’s key asset is his momentum; he is an unbeaten and rapidly improving handicapper. The question he must answer is whether he can continue his ascent from a career-high mark in a tougher race.

Spotlight Verdict

The 5yo KEL DU LARGE looked very promising in the 2023-24 season and he’s the selection off bottom weight on his handicap debut and second start back from a long absence. French Emperor is 2-2 in handicaps and is second choice ahead of Fortune De Mer, another 5yo who could have plenty more to offer. Leloopa won in good style here last time and could also go well.[Ben Hutton]

We head back to Doncaster for a novices’ handicap hurdle.

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7. 1:25 Doncaster – Lady Florence Of Chapeltown Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

This is a Class 5 novices’ handicap hurdle, providing an opportunity for less exposed and modestly-rated horses to get competitive. The race features several runners making their handicap debuts or returning from long absences, making it a tricky puzzle to solve.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Cumhacht (Total: 246)

2. Kelijoe (Total: 233)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Cumhacht:

    ◦ A maiden after 14 starts, he was consistent in 2023 and was narrowly denied at Ffos Las over 2m4f.

    ◦ He shaped pleasingly on his return from a mammoth absence when runner-up over an inadequate 2m trip last time out. Stepping back up in trip makes him of interest from a competitive handicap mark.

• Kelijoe:

    ◦ Finished runner-up in a Fakenham novice in October but failed to settle when favourite on his handicap debut at Chepstow.

    ◦ A subsequent run at Huntingdon was disappointing, with a tongue-tie (now discarded) reportedly not suiting him. He holds possibilities if returning to form.

Race Statistics

Summary statistics for this specific race are not provided in the source material.

Overall Assessment

The decision here is between a consistent maiden and a more temperamental contender. Cumhacht’s strength is his promising comeback run and a return to a more suitable trip, suggesting he is primed for a big effort. The glaring weakness, however, is his 0-14 record; he finds winning difficult. Kelijoe has the ability to win a race of this nature, which is his core strength. His weakness is his inconsistency and temperament, having failed to settle and run his race on his last two starts.

Spotlight Verdict

Not many appeal. With the tongue-tie discarded, Kelijoe could have a shout, while it remains possible that we haven’t seen the best of Big Storm Brewing. However, the pair to concentrate on are Meraki Mist and CUMHACHT. The ‘bounce factor’ is a risk for the selection but he’s competitively handicapped, with plenty to like about his comeback run over an inadequate 2m at Ffos Las. [Mark Rowntree]

The day’s feature race, a Premier Handicap chase, is next up at Cheltenham.

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8. 1:50 Cheltenham – Turners Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)

This is the day’s feature event at Cheltenham, a valuable Premier Handicap chase over an extended three and a quarter miles. The contest has attracted a high-class field, including a Grade 1 winner returning to action, last year’s race winner, and a host of progressive staying chasers.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Henry’s Friend (Total: 370)

2. L’Homme Presse (Total: 350)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Henry’s Friend:

    ◦ Returned to form with a win in a quality handicap at Ascot on his reappearance last month.

    ◦ He is now 5 from 10 over fences and has gone up just 3lb for his latest victory, making him a respected contender.

• L’Homme Presse:

    ◦ A top-class chaser, his form last season includes a third in the King George at Kempton and a win in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase here in January, before being pulled up in a Grade 1 at Ascot.

    ◦ This 10-year-old has been absent since February but goes well fresh and has previously won off a higher handicap mark.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo (1-0-1), 6yo (1-0-9), 7yo (1-4-16), 8yo (1-6-21), 9yo (3-5-21), 10yo (1-1-6), 11yo (1-0-2), 12yo (0-0-1)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last nine favourites are: U, 4, 4, 4, 5, 3, P, 1, 3.

• Trainer Records: Venetia Williams (2-0-5), David Pipe (1-0-5)

Overall Assessment

This fascinating feature race pits a race-fit, in-form handicapper against a returning Grade 1 star. Henry’s Friend has the major advantage of a recent win, proving his current well-being and effectiveness. The question is whether he has the class to win a Premier Handicap of this nature. L’Homme Presse possesses the undeniable strength of top-level ability, a quality none of his rivals can match. His obvious vulnerability is the 300-day absence, although his record proves he can fire on his comeback.

Spotlight Verdict

Class act L’HOMME PRESSE goes well fresh and won the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase here in January. He is taken to defy top weight and make a winning return to action. The Doyen Chief lost his race at the start in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury but looked highly progressive previously and he could be the main danger ahead of Irish challengers The Short Go and Blaze The Way.[Ben Hutton]

We now return to Doncaster for another handicap hurdle.

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9. 1:58 Doncaster – Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice Handicap Hurdle

This is a tricky four-year-old handicap hurdle over two miles. All four runners have shown promise but have questions to answer, making it a competitive and trappy-looking contest.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Courageous Strike (Total: 289)

2. Laughing John (Total: 255)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Courageous Strike:

    ◦ A two-time winner on the Flat, he won maiden and novice hurdles in the spring after joining Paul Nicholls.

    ◦ He was only fifth on his handicap debut at Newton Abbot in October after a break, but he retains potential and races in a first-time hood today.

• Laughing John:

    ◦ Displayed clear promise in junior hurdles last season, placing on his first two starts.

    ◦ He was in the lead and looked set to win when unseating his rider at the last flight at Chepstow in April. He has the potential for more to come on his handicap debut and reappearance for a top stable.

Race Statistics

Summary statistics for this specific race are not provided in the source material.

Overall Assessment

This contest revolves around two horses with potential but different question marks. Courageous Strike’s strength lies in the promise he showed winning his first two hurdles for a top stable. His weakness was his underwhelming handicap debut, from which he needs to bounce back. Laughing John’s strength is that he looked a winner-in-waiting before his unfortunate exit at Chepstow. His challenge is to reproduce that form on his handicap debut after an eight-month absence.

Spotlight Verdict

Nicky Henderson’s LAUGHING JOHN looked set to win at Chepstow when shifting to his left and unseating his rider approaching the last and he is narrowly preferred to Courageous Strike in this trappy-looking 4yo handicap. [Andrew Sheret]

The focus now switches back to Cheltenham for a veterans’ chase.

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10. 2:25 Cheltenham – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Chase Series Handicap Chase

This contest is a qualifier for the popular Veterans’ Chase Series, run over two and a half miles. The race features a field of experienced chasers aged ten and over, including a recent course-and-distance winner and several others who are well-handicapped on their best form.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Eldorado Allen (Total: 347)

2. Torn And Frayed (Total: 327)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Eldorado Allen:

    ◦ Having dropped down the handicap, this eleven-year-old snapped a long losing streak with a nice win over this C&D on his reappearance last month.

    ◦ He is considered a key player again despite being raised 5lb for that victory, representing an in-form yard.

• Torn And Frayed:

    ◦ A previous C&D winner, he won at Aintree in October before finishing second to a progressive rival at Warwick last time.

    ◦ He is expected to play a part if conditions suit, as his best form has come on good or good-to-soft ground.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 10yo (2-5-17), 11yo (1-1-8), 12yo (0-0-2), 13yo (0-0-1)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last three favourites are: 3, 2, 0 (denotes an unplaced finish).

• Trainer Records: Joe Tizzard (0-3-4), Richard Hobson (0-1-2)

Overall Assessment

This veterans’ chase weighs a recent C&D winner against a consistent challenger. Eldorado Allen’s primary strength is his confidence-boosting victory over this course and distance last time out, proving the fire still burns. His weakness is the resulting 5lb penalty, which makes his task tougher. Torn And Frayed’s case is built on his solid, consistent recent form. His potential vulnerability lies with the ground, as his peak performances have historically come on a quicker surface than he may face today.

Spotlight Verdict

Eldorado Allen ended a losing sequence in fine style over C&D four weeks ago and may well play another leading role. FUGITIF was a long way behind that day but may have needed the run and he’s on an attractive mark on his best course form. He gets the nod. Copperhead enjoyed an excellent campaign in veterans’ chases last season and is third choice.[Ben Hutton]

It’s back to Doncaster for a mares’ handicap hurdle over a staying trip.

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11. 2:33 Doncaster – Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

This Class 5 mares’ handicap hurdle is run over three miles and features a field where many have reservations attached. The race could go to a recent winner who is on the up or a consistent performer who looks ready to tackle this longer trip for the first time.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. For Gina (Total: 258)

2. Roaring Home (Total: 250)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• For Gina:

    ◦ Took advantage of a falling handicap mark to make a winning return from a five-month break at Fontwell five weeks ago.

    ◦ This is a slightly stronger contest, but she is expected to have a say if she can continue in the same vein of form off a 3lb higher mark.

• Roaring Home:

    ◦ Has been runner-up in two of her last three starts, most recently chasing home an in-form and improving rival at Warwick over 2m5f.

    ◦ She shapes as though this first attempt at three miles should suit and tops the list of contenders.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo (2-1-9), 6yo (0-2-5), 7yo (0-0-5), 8yo (1-1-7), 9yo (0-1-3), 10yo (0-0-1)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last three favourites are: 5, 0 (denotes an unplaced finish), 5.

• Trainer Records: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson (1-1-2), Emma Lavelle (0-1-1), Henry Daly (0-1-2)

Overall Assessment

This race pits a last-time-out winner against a consistent maiden who is trying a new trip. For Gina’s strength is her proven winning form from just five weeks ago, confirming her well-being. The challenge now is to repeat the feat in a tougher race off a higher mark. Roaring Home’s strengths are her admirable consistency and the strong suggestion that this step up to three miles will unlock further improvement. The obvious weakness is that her stamina for this demanding distance is, as yet, unproven.

Spotlight Verdict

It isn’t difficult to have reservations about some. Recent Fontwell scorer For Gina is worth plenty of respect but the choice is topweight ROARING HOME (nap), who bustled up an in-form rival at Warwick and should cope with this extra yardage. The switch back to hurdles could aid Police Academy, while Pipers Cross won’t fail for a lack of stamina. [Mark Rowntree]

We now turn our attention to one of the unique spectacles in horse racing: the Cross Country chase at Cheltenham.

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12. 3:00 Cheltenham – Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase

The unique and thrilling test of the Cross Country course is next, run over a marathon trip of more than three and a half miles. This event features specialists of the discipline, including previous course winners, alongside intriguing newcomers to this style of racing from top Irish yards.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Amirite (Total: 348)

2. Mister Coffey (Total: 333)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Amirite:

    ◦ A winner at Kilbeggan in July and a creditable fourth in the Galway Plate when last seen. He has previously run well over an extended 3m4f at Sandown.

    ◦ He goes well fresh and could make a bold bid on his first attempt at a cross-country race.

• Mister Coffey:

    ◦ A notoriously hard horse to win with, holding a record of 0-17 over fences.

    ◦ However, he has been runner-up in nine of those races, including in this contest last year and on his reappearance here last month. He is versatile regarding ground conditions and is likely to be thereabouts again.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo (1-0-1), 6yo (0-1-7), 7yo (2-2-14), 8yo (2-3-16), 9yo (1-4-29), 10yo (1-3-19), 11yo (1-3-14), 12yo (1-1-6), 13yo (0-0-1), 14yo (0-0-2)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last nine favourites are: 0 (denotes an unplaced finish), 1, 3, 3, 1, 3, 5, 1, 1.

• Trainer Records: D Cottin (1-1-4), Gavin Cromwell (1-1-3), Gordon Elliott (1-2-15), Henry De Bromhead (0-1-4), Nicky Henderson (0-1-1), T Ellis (0-1-1)

Overall Assessment

This unique test comes down to a clash between a high-class novice to the discipline and an experienced course specialist. Amirite brings the strength of excellent handicap form over regulation fences and proven stamina for marathon trips. The glaring weakness is his total inexperience over these specialist obstacles. Mister Coffey has the polar opposite profile: his key strength is his proven effectiveness around this C&D, having finished second in this race before. His crippling weakness is his infamous inability to get his head in front, making him a very risky win proposition.

Spotlight Verdict

The 12yo LATENIGHTPASS has a very good record over this C&D and earns the vote ahead of last year’s runner-up Mister Coffey. The ex-French 6yo J’Arrive De L’Est is an intriguing candidate on his first run for Emmet Mullins and is next on the list, while Amirite, Final Orders and Iceo Madrik are other possible players.[Ben Hutton]

Our penultimate race from Doncaster is a competitive handicap hurdle.

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13. 3:08 Doncaster – Bluebell Wood Recycle Your Christmas Tree Handicap Hurdle

This Class 3 handicap hurdle over an intermediate trip of two miles and three furlongs features several runners with solid recent form, promising a competitive finish.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Castle Carrock (Total: 320)

2. George’s Lad (Total: 299)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Castle Carrock:

    ◦ After winning his first two career starts, he was pitched into deep company, including a midfield finish on his handicap debut in the ultra-competitive Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham.

    ◦ He is expected to make a much bigger impact now with his sights lowered into this calmer contest.

• George’s Lad:

    ◦ He was in the process of running well when falling at the final flight in the valuable EBF Final at Sandown last season.

    ◦ A C&D maiden hurdle winner, he has produced two respectable in-frame efforts in handicaps this season and holds leading claims.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo (0-2-6), 5yo (3-6-18), 6yo (4-1-22), 7yo (1-1-15), 8yo (2-2-9), 9yo (0-2-8), 10yo (0-0-1), 11yo (0-1-1), 12yo (0-0-1)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last ten favourites are: 5, 1, F, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4.

• Trainer Records: Dan Skelton (1-0-3), Alan King (0-2-4)

Overall Assessment

This contest pits an unexposed horse dropping in grade against a consistent, proven handicapper. Castle Carrock’s strength is that he now faces a far more realistic assignment after being tested in the crucible of the Greatwood Hurdle. The drop in class is a major positive. His weakness is that he is yet to prove he is on a competitive handicap mark. George’s Lad brings the strength of solid, consistent recent form and a proven liking for this C&D. He has no obvious flaws, but has proven vulnerable to better-handicapped rivals in similar contests this season.

Spotlight Verdict

Emma Lavelle’s GEORGE’S LAD should have a race in him from this sort of mark and is taken to come good back at the scene of last season’s maiden success. Peacenik is preferred to Castle Carrock for the forecast spot. [Andrew Sheret]

The final race of a fantastic day comes from Cheltenham, a staying handicap hurdle.

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14. 3:35 Cheltenham – Citipost Handicap Hurdle

The day concludes with a competitive Class 2 handicap hurdle over a demanding three-mile trip. The field includes last year’s race winner and several lightly-raced, unexposed stayers who could have plenty more to offer.

Top-Rated Contenders

1. Long Draw (Total: 352)

2. Tranquil Sea (Total: 323)

Form & Spotlight Analysis

• Long Draw:

    ◦ The winner of this very race last year, he showed very good progress last season.

    ◦ He has produced good runs for minor honours on all three starts this term, most recently in a strong race here. He looks set for another prominent finish.

• Tranquil Sea:

    ◦ Scored at Chepstow over this trip in October and returned from wind surgery with a good second at Market Rasen 16 days ago.

    ◦ He is considered a contender in what is a competitive race.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo (1-3-20), 6yo (4-3-24), 7yo (2-5-24), 8yo (1-6-18), 9yo (1-3-15), 10yo (0-0-3), 11yo (0-0-1), 12yo (1-0-2)

• Fate of Favourites: The finishing positions of the last ten favourites are: 5, 0 (denotes an unplaced finish), 6, 0 (denotes an unplaced finish), 2, 2, 4, 6, 1, 4.

• Trainer Records: Olly Murphy (1-0-2), Dan Skelton (0-1-6), Tom Lacey (0-1-1)

Overall Assessment

The finale sees last year’s winner take on an in-form challenger. Long Draw’s greatest strength is his victory in this race 12 months ago, which confirms his suitability for the unique demands of a three-mile Cheltenham handicap. His weakness is his run of placed efforts this season, suggesting he may be vulnerable to a rival with more scope for improvement. Tranquil Sea arrives in peak condition, with a recent win and a fine effort following wind surgery making up his strong recent form. His weakness is that he needs to find that bit extra to land a competitive Class 2 prize of this nature.

Spotlight Verdict

Last year’s winner Long Draw (second choice) should go well but there may well be some telling potential in the more lightly raced and less exposed LUCKY MANIFEST (nap), who tries this trip for the first time under rules but was closing on the winner again close home in a 2m5f, soft-ground handicap here last time out. Tranquil Sea is another 5yo to consider, while Kyntara and Lihyan make some each-way appeal at probably longer prices.[Richard Austen]