A spectacular day of premier jump racing is upon us, with high-class cards at two of the UK’s finest tracks, Cheltenham and Doncaster. From prestigious Gold Cups to key festival trials, the day promises to deliver significant clues for the season ahead. This document provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of each race in chronological order, focusing on the top-rated contenders according to the TimeWise Master Ratings to help identify the key players in each contest.

1. Doncaster 11:55 – bet365 Novices’ Hurdle

The day’s action begins at Doncaster with a Class 3 Novices’ Hurdle over an intermediate trip. This race serves as an important early-season test for promising young hurdlers, offering a valuable opportunity to gain experience and stake a claim for bigger targets later in the campaign. Performances here often identify horses with the potential to step up in class.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Real Quartz	329
Uptown Dandy	286

Top Two Analysis

Real Quartz

• Form Summary: Purchased for a significant £190,000 after an easy Irish point-to-point win, he justified short odds to win on his hurdles debut at Carlisle on soft ground. While the bare form is not exceptional, he possesses considerable potential for improvement.

• Recent Form Figures: 1-1

Uptown Dandy

• Form Summary: Showed consistent form in bumpers last season and made a solid start over hurdles when finishing second in a Wetherby novice on soft ground. The form of that race has been boosted since by both the winner and third-placed horse, suggesting he is a likely contender.

• Recent Form Figures: 233-2

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Real Quartz	A high-priced point winner who won his sole hurdles start as expected. He is entirely unexposed and hails from a top stable, suggesting significant improvement is likely. The main question is the strength of his debut win, but his potential is undeniable.
Uptown Dandy	Brings solid, proven form to the table, with his recent second at Wetherby looking stronger by the day. He has proven effectiveness on soft ground and looks set to run a strong race, though he may lack the top-end potential of his main rival.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 2-1-12, 5yo 2-5-20, 6yo 0-0-3, 7yo 0-0-1, 8yo 0-0-1

• Fate of Favourites: 4102

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Ben Pauling 1-0-2, Charlie Longsdon 1-0-2

Spotlight Verdict

Dan Skelton’s REAL QUARTZ is selected to remain unbeaten at the expense of last month’s Wetherby runner-up Uptown Dandy.

From the flat contours of Doncaster, our attention now shifts to the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park for their opening contest.

——————————————————————————–

2. Cheltenham 12:10 – JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle

The first race from Cheltenham is a prestigious Class 2 trial for the Triumph Hurdle, the championship event for three-year-old hurdlers at the Festival in March. This contest is a crucial stepping stone, and performances here are scrutinized as key indicators of talent within the juvenile division. A strong run today marks a horse as a leading contender for spring festival glory.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
One Horse Town	394
Minella Study	341

Top Two Analysis

One Horse Town

• Form Summary: This highly progressive juvenile remains unbeaten in four starts over hurdles, handling various ground conditions. His latest victory was a Grade 2 success over this course and distance, marking him out as a leading contender despite shouldering a 7lb penalty.

• Recent Form Figures: 1111

Minella Study

• Form Summary: An ex-Irish runner who has made a perfect start over hurdles for his new stable, winning both his starts. His most recent victory was in a Listed contest at Wetherby. He has shown promise on soft ground on the Flat and is considered a major player, also under a 7lb penalty.

• Recent Form Figures: 11

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
One Horse Town	The proven class in the field, with an unbeaten record and a Grade 2 win at this track already to his name. He sets a very high standard, and the key question is whether he can concede a 7lb penalty to another promising rival. His progressive profile suggests he can.
Minella Study	Also unbeaten over hurdles, his Listed win at Wetherby marks him as a high-class prospect. He is proven on softer going and represents a significant threat. He must improve again to defy his penalty and beat a course and distance winner, but that is entirely possible.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 3yo 10-10-61

• Fate of Favourites: 211U11213

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Jack Jones 2-0-2, Nicky Henderson 1-0-2, Dan Skelton 0-1-6

Spotlight Verdict

Having made it 4-4 over hurdles with a Grade 2 win here last month, ONE HORSE TOWN can defy a 7lb penalty and maintain his unbeaten record over jumps. Minella Study is also unbeaten in this code, having won a Listed race at Wetherby in October, and is second choice. The once-raced Matiwo is open to improvement for the in-form Jane Williams and is next on the list, while the newcomer Arnolphe and French recruit Macshadow Des Crai could go well for their top stables.

The action now switches back to Doncaster for a competitive novices’ handicap chase that presents a fascinating puzzle for form students.

——————————————————————————–

3. Doncaster 12:25 – bet365 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

This Class 3 Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase presents a different challenge, designed for novice chasers within a specific ratings band. These races are strategically important for a horse’s development over fences, providing a competitive environment where connections must balance the desire to win with the need to protect a potentially lenient handicap mark for future, more valuable contests.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Rightsotom	324
Zurich	316

Top Two Analysis

Rightsotom

• Form Summary: An inconsistent but useful hurdler who improved significantly from his chase debut to finish a rallying third in a Grade 2 at Wincanton. That performance suggests he has the ability to be very competitive, provided the softer ground is suitable.

• Recent Form Figures: 503-93

Zurich

• Form Summary: An Irish raider who has shown marked improvement on his last two starts over fences, culminating in a victory at Cheltenham. A subsequent 6lb rise in the handicap does not appear overly harsh, and he is a strong contender with proven form on softer ground.

• Recent Form Figures: 530-11

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Rightsotom	His recent third in Grade 2 company is very strong form in the context of this race. He is clearly a capable chaser on his day. However, his overall profile is inconsistent, and his suitability for today’s softer ground remains a question mark.
Zurich	Arrives in top form after a stylish Cheltenham victory, and a subsequent 6lb rise in the handicap doesn’t appear overly harsh. As a rapidly improving chaser who handles soft ground well, he looks to have fewer questions to answer than his main rival.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 0-1-1, 6yo 1-3-9, 7yo 1-0-7, 9yo 0-0-1

• Fate of Favourites: 22

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Anthony Honeyball 0-1-1

Spotlight Verdict

Given that JORDANS CROSS looked set to win when coming down at Cheltenham, he still looks well handicapped off 4lb higher. Zurich looked a chaser to follow in winning at that same track and he too remains competitively treated. Go West and Rightsotom also have claims, while That’s Nice clearly failed to give her running on her chase debut.

It’s notable that the Spotlight analysis leans towards the progressive profile of Jordans Cross, who looked set to win before falling last time out, rating him a better-handicapped prospect than the TimeWise leaders.

The focus now returns to Cheltenham for another novice chase, this time a true examination of stamina over the demanding three-mile-plus trip.

——————————————————————————–

4. Cheltenham 12:40 – Michael Eakins Senior Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

This Class 3 Novices’ Handicap Chase is run over a stamina-sapping three miles and one furlong, a true test for developing staying chasers. The race is strategically important as it helps to sort the genuine stayers from those who may lack the necessary resolution. The demanding nature of the Cheltenham track, particularly its stiff uphill finish, will ensure that jumping technique and endurance are thoroughly examined.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
The Jukebox Kid	335
Holokea	320

Top Two Analysis

The Jukebox Kid

• Form Summary: A highly likeable prospect who is three from four under rules, creating an excellent impression when winning on his chase and handicap debut at Carlisle. He has been raised 9lb for that victory, but his progressive profile suggests he may be capable of overcoming the rise.

• Recent Form Figures: 1/13-1

Holokea

• Form Summary: A dual point-to-point winner who has shown improved form since switching to fences. He won at Ffos Las over 3m1f before a good second at Uttoxeter over a similar trip. As an unexposed six-year-old, he looks set to be suited by the stiff finish and could be in the mix.

• Recent Form Figures: 22-212

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
The Jukebox Kid	Won with authority on his chase debut and looks like a chaser with a very bright future. The 9lb rise in the handicap is a significant burden, but he appears to have the scope to progress beyond his current mark. He sets a high standard.
Holokea	A tough and genuine stayer who has taken well to chasing. He is proven over the trip and on soft ground, and the demanding uphill finish at Cheltenham should play to his strengths. He is unexposed and could find the necessary improvement to challenge the favourite.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 1-0-5, 6yo 5-5-29, 7yo 3-2-15, 8yo 0-1-3, 9yo 1-0-2

• Fate of Favourites: P411111163

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Nicky Henderson 1-1-4

Spotlight Verdict

Topweight THE JUKEBOX KID created an excellent impression on his chase debut at Carlisle last month and he can defy a 9lb rise to make it 2-2 over fences. Risk De Pluie could have untapped potential over this sort of trip and is feared most ahead of First Confession, who should be capable of better than he showed at Kempton last time. Cases can also bemade for Holokea, Zertakt and As The Fella Says.

Doncaster now serves up a competitive handicap chase, where established chasers get their chance to shine.

——————————————————————————–

5. Doncaster 12:55 – Position Payout At bet365 Handicap Chase

This contest is a Class 4 Handicap Chase, a staple of the National Hunt calendar. These races are highly competitive, providing an opportunity for established chasers to capitalize on their official handicap rating. For trainers and owners, these events are strategically important for securing prize money and maintaining a horse’s confidence against opposition of a similar calibre.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Spadestep	301
Inishnabro	272

Top Two Analysis

Spadestep

• Form Summary: A winning pointer who also scored over hurdles, he ran an excellent race on his chase and handicap debut at Aintree to finish second. That performance marked him out as a chaser to follow. The main concern is that he was withdrawn from a recent engagement on soft ground, raising questions about his suitability for today’s conditions.

• Recent Form Figures: 122-12

Inishnabro

• Form Summary: Showed good form in handicap hurdles on good to soft ground and, with a point-to-point background, is expected to be as good, if not better, over fences. He makes his seasonal and chase debut today, so market confidence will be a key indicator of his readiness.

• Recent Form Figures: 12412-

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Spadestep	Possesses the most potential in this field based on a highly encouraging chase debut. If he handles the soft ground, he is a major contender. However, the fact connections withdrew him from a similar race on soft ground last month is a significant concern.
Inishnabro	An interesting recruit to chasing who was progressive over hurdles. He makes his first start since March, and his fitness must be taken on trust. His pointing background suggests fences will suit, making him a potential threat if ready to go.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 0-2-2, 6yo 0-1-3, 7yo 1-1-4, 8yo 1-0-4, 9yo 0-0-3, 10yo 0-0-2

• Fate of Favourites: P3

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Neil King 1-0-1

Spotlight Verdict

It is a worry that connections saw fit to take SPADESTEP out of a soft-ground engagement last month but he has the most potential of these. His was a highly encouraging first run over fences behind the smart Jordans Cross who runs in the previous race today. Inishnabro is just preferred to Rumoursareflying and Willie Shake Hands among the rest.

Our focus now pivots back to Cheltenham for a competitive mares’ handicap chase, a key qualifier for a valuable series final.

——————————————————————————–

6. Cheltenham 1:15 – Quintessentially Mares’ Handicap Chase

This Class 3 Mares’ Handicap Chase is a qualifier for the Challenger Mares’ Chase Series Final, a factor that often ensures a large and competitive field. These races are strategically vital in the racing calendar, providing valuable opportunities for female chasers to earn prize money and, crucially, enhance their résumés, which can significantly increase their value for a future breeding career.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
She Is For Me Boys	355
Theonewedreamof	332

Top Two Analysis

She Is For Me Boys

• Form Summary: A lightly raced and promising six-year-old who has won her last three starts. An Irish point winner, she won two novice hurdles before making a successful chase and handicap debut at Kempton last month. She faces a much more competitive race today but looks to be on an upward curve.

• Recent Form Figures: 12-111

Theonewedreamof

• Form Summary: Has shown improved form since joining her new stable this season. After a good runner-up effort on her seasonal debut, she went one better at Exeter over three miles. Now 3-9 over fences, she is in the form of her life and should run well again despite a 5lb rise in the weights.

• Recent Form Figures: 454-21

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
She Is For Me Boys	A classic progressive, lightly-raced type who is unbeaten in her last three races. She won with authority on her chase debut and looks promising. This is a much deeper race, but her potential is unquantified and she could still be well-handicapped.
Theonewedreamof	A more experienced chaser who has hit a new peak of form for her new connections. Her last win was convincing, and her Irish form suggests she will handle today’s conditions. She has more proven form but may have less scope for improvement than her key rival.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 1-3-11, 6yo 4-6-30, 7yo 0-5-21, 8yo 3-3-20, 9yo 1-0-8

• Fate of Favourites: 61U154216

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Evan Williams 1-1-3, Gavin Cromwell 1-0-2, Fergal O’Brien 0-1-4, Henry Daly 0-4-5, Jamie Snowden 0-1-1, Joe Tizzard 0-1-1, Tom Symonds 0-2-2, Warren Greatrex 0-1-1

Spotlight Verdict

She Is For Me Boys has won her only start in points and three of her four races under rules. That demands plenty of respect but preference is for the far more experienced THEONEWEDREAMOF who has hit new heights for her new stable this season and scored in taking style last time. The chief danger may be topweight Ruby Island who has taken well to fences and may well be suited by this step back up in trip. Kalista Love completes the shortlist, given that Realta Liath kept jumping out to her right when making an otherwise impressive chase debut.

The pendulum swings back to Doncaster for a staying handicap hurdle with added intrigue as a ‘Go North’ series qualifier.

——————————————————————————–

7. Doncaster 1:30 – bet365 Handicap Hurdle

This Class 4 Handicap Hurdle is contested over a staying trip of just over three miles. The race holds added strategic importance as a qualifier for the ‘Go North Brindisi Breeze Series’, a popular initiative in the north of England. This adds an extra layer of interest for connections, who may be targeting the valuable series final later in the season, making this a keenly contested affair.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Heather Honey	308
Stratton Oakmont	285

Top Two Analysis

Heather Honey

• Form Summary: A mare in excellent form, winning three in a row earlier in the year before returning to winning ways at Catterick last month. All her victories have been on good ground, so today’s likely softer surface presents a significant unknown. However, she comes from an in-form stable and may be capable of further progression.

• Recent Form Figures: -11361

Stratton Oakmont

• Form Summary: Showed better-than-ever form to make a winning reappearance at Exeter five weeks ago, having undergone wind surgery. He was well on top in the closing stages of that race and has proven form on heavy ground. A 9lb rise in the weights makes life tougher, but he could be up to the task if in the same mood.

• Recent Form Figures: PP64-1

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Heather Honey	Comes into the race in peak form and represents a stable enjoying a good run. She is clearly progressive, but all her wins have been on good ground, making today’s soft surface a major question she needs to answer.
Stratton Oakmont	Looked much improved when winning on his seasonal return, a victory that can be attributed to a recent wind operation. He is proven on testing ground and, despite a 9lb rise, could well follow up if that performance was not a one-off.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 1-1-3, 7yo 0-0-2, 8yo 0-0-1, 9yo 0-0-1

Spotlight Verdict

If STRATTON OAKMONT is in the same form as when winning easily on his Exeter reappearance, a 9lb rise may not stop him going in again. It hasn’t taken long for James Owen to rekindle Bridge North’s enthusiasm and he’s second choice ahead of Heather Honey.

We now head back to Cheltenham for the feature race of the day, the prestigious and highly-coveted December Gold Cup.

——————————————————————————–

8. Cheltenham 1:50 – Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase

This Premier Handicap is the feature event on a high-quality card. As a valuable and prestigious contest, the December Gold Cup holds immense strategic importance, attracting a field of top-tier handicappers. A victory here is a significant prize in its own right, and the race often serves as a key trial for major targets at the spring festivals, including the Ryanair Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Jagwar	377
Vincenzo	375

Top Two Analysis

Jagwar

• Form Summary: A highly progressive novice last season, winning four of his five starts over fences. His campaign culminated in a convincing victory in the 20-runner Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. He has won on soft ground at this track and could still be well-handicapped despite a 9lb rise.

• Recent Form Figures: 11311-

Vincenzo

• Form Summary: Another progressive second-season chaser who reappeared with an excellent 4-length second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup over this course and distance, behind Panic Attack who followed up in the Coral Gold Cup. This boosts the form significantly. Raised only 2lb for that effort, he is a key player.

• Recent Form Figures: 1212-2

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Jagwar	A festival winner who was hugely progressive last season. He is unexposed and could be a Grade 1 horse in a handicap. His ability to handle the course and soft ground is proven. The main doubt is his fitness, returning from a 275-day absence for this highly competitive race.
Vincenzo	Has the benefit of a recent run and brings top-class handicap form to the race, with his second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup looking exceptionally strong. He is still improving and looks primed for a big performance from a very fair handicap mark.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 1-0-1, 5yo 0-2-6, 6yo 1-3-23, 7yo 2-6-31, 8yo 4-6-34, 9yo 0-3-18, 10yo 1-0-5

• Fate of Favourites: 6325404P2

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Paul Nicholls 2-2-19, Venetia Williams 1-4-9, Dan Skelton 0-2-7

Spotlight Verdict

The impressive novice campaign of JAGWAR (nap) culminated in a convincing win in the Plate at the Festival here in March and he can make a winning comeback before going on to even bigger things. The progressive second-season chaser Vincenzo reappeared with a good second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here last month and he is feared most. Topweight Ga Law likes it here and is next on the list under promising 7lb claimer Isabelle Ryder, while others who can run well include Colonel Harry, Il Ridoto, Es Perfecto and Hoe Joly Smoke.

From Cheltenham’s feature, the spotlight returns to Doncaster for their most valuable race, the fiercely competitive Pennine Handicap Chase.

——————————————————————————–

9. Doncaster 2:05 – bet365 Pennine Handicap Chase

This valuable Class 2 Handicap Chase over a testing three-mile trip is a significant contest in its own right. It serves as a prime target for high-class staying handicappers, offering a substantial prize fund. Winning a race of this calibre can be a season-defining moment for connections and often features seasoned campaigners who excel in strongly-run staying chases.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Docpickedme	318
Prince Zaltar	315

Top Two Analysis

Docpickedme

• Form Summary: Finished a narrow second in this race last year and appears set for another bold bid after a good third in the competitive Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle two weeks ago. That run should have put him spot on for this target, and he is a strong contender.

• Recent Form Figures: 21P-53

Prince Zaltar

• Form Summary: A chase winner in Ireland, he has been in good form over hurdles since joining his current stable. His recent second in a competitive Cheltenham handicap hurdle was a fine effort, and the winner has since won again to boost the form. He reverts to chasing on the same handicap mark and holds leading claims.

• Recent Form Figures: 1P4162

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Docpickedme	A proven performer in this race, having only been beaten by a neck last year. His recent run at Newcastle was an excellent prep, and he arrives here with strong claims. He is consistent and looks sure to be involved in the finish.
Prince Zaltar	Brings strong, progressive hurdles form into this contest and reverts to fences on what looks a very attractive handicap mark. If he can translate his recent hurdles form to the larger obstacles, he will be very difficult to beat. He represents a top stable and looks well-treated.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 6yo 0-1-3, 7yo 3-3-20, 8yo 3-5-28, 9yo 3-2-18, 10yo 0-2-7, 11yo 0-1-3

• Fate of Favourites: 446124136

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Nicky Henderson 1-1-3, Richard Hobson 0-1-2

Spotlight Verdict

Last year’s runner-up Docpickedme (second choice) looks set to go well in this race again after an encouraging effort in the Rehearsal at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. Alcedo was successful on that same Newcastle card and is likely still on a workable mark if his stamina holds, stepping back up to 3m, but the vote goes to PRINCE ZALTAR (nap). The form of his hurdle second to Kikijo at Cheltenham last month was boosted when that winner saw off another progressive sort (pair clear) at Sandown last weekend, so Dan Skelton’s charge, who won over fences in Ireland, looks well treated back chasing off the same mark as at Cheltenham.

Now for a test of pure speed as the action returns to Cheltenham for a fast and furious two-mile handicap chase.

——————————————————————————–

10. Cheltenham 2:25 – Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase

This Class 2 two-mile handicap chase is a test of speed and fluent jumping. Races of this nature at Cheltenham are strategically significant as the unique, undulating track often favours course specialists. A strong performance here can mark a horse as a contender for the Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most prestigious two-mile handicap chases of the season.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Jpr One	338
Gunsight Ridge	328

Top Two Analysis

Jpr One

• Form Summary: A winner of the Haldon Gold Cup last season, he returned to form last time out when finishing a close third at Ascot. The application of cheekpieces seems to have had a positive effect, and a 2lb rise in the weights is unlikely to prevent him from being competitive again.

• Recent Form Figures: 405-33

Gunsight Ridge

• Form Summary: A winner at Sandown on heavy ground in February, he is a strong traveller who has failed to see out longer trips on his last two starts. The return to his optimum distance of two miles is a major positive, and he is a firm contender on ground that will suit.

• Recent Form Figures: FP14-4

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Jpr One	A classy chaser on his day, as his Haldon Gold Cup win demonstrates. His recent run at Ascot showed he is back in good form, and he should be thereabouts once more from a fair handicap mark.
Gunsight Ridge	This specialist two-miler will be much more at home back at this trip after finding his stamina stretched on recent outings. He is effective on soft ground and is well-handicapped on his best form, making him a serious threat.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 1-0-1, 5yo 0-2-3, 6yo 1-4-10, 7yo 3-5-18, 8yo 2-3-18, 9yo 0-0-9, 10yo 2-0-11, 11yo 0-0-2, 12yo 0-0-1, 13yo 0-0-1

• Fate of Favourites: 432262122

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Evan Williams 1-1-3, Dan Skelton 0-1-8

Spotlight Verdict

The novice COUNTRY MILE was looming large as a big threat prior to a bad mistake two out here in October on his second chase start, and is taken to make amends today. The 5yo Excelero won in fine style at Warwick last month on his second chase start and, while today’s company is much tougher, he may be the chief danger. Last month’s course scorer Triple Trade is third choice ahead of David’s Well.

The Spotlight verdict is willing to forgive an untimely mistake from the unexposed Country Mile, seeing more potential in his handicap mark than in the proven class of the TimeWise top-rated Jpr One.

Our attention now shifts to Town Moor for a quality Listed Mares’ Hurdle, where valuable black type is on the line.

——————————————————————————–

11. Doncaster 2:40 – bet365 Doncaster Mares’ Hurdle

This Listed Mares’ Hurdle is a crucial fixture in the racing programme for female hurdlers. The primary strategic importance of races at this level is the pursuit of ‘black type’. A win or placing in a Listed or Graded race significantly enhances a mare’s value as a future broodmare, making these contests highly sought after by owners and breeders.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Kateira	374
Bethpage	328

Top Two Analysis

Kateira

• Form Summary: A smart, dual Listed-winning mare who was a respectable fourth in a Grade 2 at Ascot last time out. That race was over a shorter trip, and she sets a clear standard as the highest-rated runner in this field. She is the one they all have to beat.

• Recent Form Figures: 152-14

Bethpage

• Form Summary: Has been an improved performer this year, winning two good-ground handicaps in the spring before a fine runner-up finish in a Listed race at Kempton 19 days ago. This looks a stronger contest, and there are question marks about her effectiveness if the ground remains on the soft side.

• Recent Form Figures: 2-2162

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Kateira	The class act in the race, with proven form at this level and a high official rating. Her recent run in a Grade 2 was respectable, and this represents a drop in class. She is a strong favourite with outstanding claims.
Bethpage	A consistent and improving mare who ran a career-best to finish second in a Listed race last time. However, this appears to be a tougher race, and all her best form has come on good ground, making the soft conditions a significant concern.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 1-0-2, 7yo 0-0-1, 8yo 0-0-1

Spotlight Verdict

This looks a good opportunity for KATEIRA to land a third win in this grade. Fellow dual Listed scorer World Of Fortunes can give her most to do.

It’s back to Cheltenham for a key trial for the Festival’s premier staying novice hurdle, a Grade 2 contest of immense significance.

——————————————————————————–

12. Cheltenham 3:00 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

This Grade 2 contest, run over a demanding three miles, is a key trial for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The race is strategically vital for identifying the best up-and-coming staying novice hurdlers in the division. A resolute performance here often signals a horse with the requisite stamina and class to be a major force at the spring festivals.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Conman John	346
Kasino Des Mottes	331

Top Two Analysis

Conman John

• Form Summary: Scored with authority over this course and distance seven weeks ago, making most of the running and asserting in grand style. Despite having to give weight to all his rivals, that proven course form makes him the one to beat.

• Recent Form Figures: 12-511

Kasino Des Mottes

• Form Summary: A £130,000 purchase after winning an Irish point-to-point, he showed the benefit of his hurdles debut (behind Conman John) when winning a Kempton novice. He needs to improve significantly to reverse the form with the favourite but has the potential to do so.

• Recent Form Figures: 41-51

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Conman John	The clear form choice, having already won impressively over this course and distance. He galloped on powerfully that day and looks like a genuine stayer. The 3lb penalty is a challenge, but his proven effectiveness under these conditions is a major advantage.
Kasino Des Mottes	Showed a good attitude to win last time out and is open to further improvement as he gains experience. He has a lot to find on form with Conman John, but as a lightly-raced type from a top stable, he could take a significant step forward and pose a threat.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 0-0-4, 5yo 7-8-35, 6yo 1-4-20, 7yo 1-0-3, 10yo 0-0-1

• Fate of Favourites: 112625115

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Nicky Henderson 1-0-4, Joe Tizzard 0-1-1

Spotlight Verdict

While CONMAN JOHN does not have a monopoly on potential in this field, he made much the strongest impression with the way he galloped on powerfully to register a 3m win here in October last time. Reckless Spending is the only one who’s not won either a point or a race under rules but he showed pretty useful form at Ascot when looking very much a work in progress over just 2m3f on his hurdling debut, so he is feared most, ahead of Carlenrig and Kasino Des Mottes.

The penultimate race of our analysis comes from Doncaster, a valuable and typically competitive two-mile handicap hurdle.

——————————————————————————–

13. Doncaster 3:17 – Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap Hurdle

This is a valuable Class 2 Handicap Hurdle, attracting a strong field of two-mile specialists. The substantial prize money on offer makes it a key strategic target for connections with horses who have proven form in competitive, strongly-run handicaps. These races are often fast and furious, demanding both speed and slick jumping from start to finish.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Lanesborough	307
Amancio	306

Top Two Analysis

Lanesborough

• Form Summary: Showed a progressive profile last season, culminating in a 5-length handicap win at Warwick in February. He makes his seasonal reappearance after a 295-day absence, and his fitness must be taken on trust. However, if he is ready to go, he has a good chance off a workable mark.

• Recent Form Figures: 57221-

Amancio

• Form Summary: A capable performer on the Flat, he is 2-6 over hurdles. He justified short odds in a weak novice event at Sedgefield last time out and now steps into his first handicap. He will likely need to raise his game to defy his opening mark in this competitive field.

• Recent Form Figures: 621-21

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Lanesborough	A progressive horse who was last seen winning comfortably. He returns from a long layoff, which is a concern, but he is in top hands and his mark looks fair. If straight enough for this return, he is a major player.
Amancio	Brings an unexposed profile into his first handicap but faces a tough task. He will need to prove he is up to this level from his current mark, and his latest win was in a much weaker race. He may need to improve significantly.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 0-1-10, 5yo 3-7-16, 6yo 3-5-25, 7yo 1-1-12, 8yo 1-1-7, 9yo 1-0-6

• Fate of Favourites: 21122F132

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Brian Ellison 0-1-4, Charlie Longsdon 0-1-1, Dan Skelton 0-1-5

Spotlight Verdict

Bowmore impressed at Newbury but he has gone up 10lb and preference is for LANESBOROUGH who progressed well last season and only came out of the Swinton Hurdle in May at the eleventh hour. Williethebuilder is third choice.

Our final race analysis comes from the last contest of the day at Cheltenham, a high-class mares’ handicap hurdle to close the card.

——————————————————————————–

14. Cheltenham 3:35 – Download The BetMGM App Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

The day concludes with another highly competitive Class 2 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle. This race provides a final valuable opportunity on a high-profile card for mares to secure a significant victory. As with other such contests, a win here is strategically important, not just for the prize money but for enhancing a mare’s racing record and, consequently, her long-term value in the breeding industry.

TimeWise Top Two Rated

Horse	TimeWise Total Rating
Jubilee Alpha	401
Siog Geal	360

Top Two Analysis

Jubilee Alpha

• Form Summary: A dual Listed winner during a productive novice campaign, including over this course and distance. She made an excellent handicap debut when second at Wincanton, where a blunder at the second-last flight may well have cost her the victory. She is highly respected despite a 4lb rise.

• Recent Form Figures: 1181-2

Siog Geal

• Form Summary: A winner of the prestigious mares’ handicap final at Newbury in March, she is a high-class performer in her own right. She made a good reappearance when third at Carlisle on soft ground six weeks ago and looks poised for another big performance.

• Recent Form Figures: 1421-3

Overall Assessment

Horse	Analytical Assessment
Jubilee Alpha	A very classy mare with proven form at Cheltenham. She was arguably unlucky not to win on her handicap debut last time out, and despite a rise in the weights, her class gives her an outstanding chance of gaining compensation here.
Siog Geal	A tough and consistent mare who won a very competitive handicap at Newbury last season. Her reappearance run was full of promise, and she looks set to run a big race. She is a solid contender who should be in the mix at the finish.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 1-0-8, 5yo 3-3-27, 6yo 3-12-37, 7yo 1-1-18, 8yo 1-3-8, 9yo 0-0-2

• Fate of Favourites: 5515106U2

• Trainers In This Race (w-pl-r): Dan Skelton 2-2-7, Lucy Wadham 2-0-4, Fergal O’Brien 0-2-5, Paul Nicholls 0-1-2

Spotlight Verdict

Fergal O’Brien’s SIOG GEAL can battle her way to the win, having already won the prestigious and competitive mares’ final at Newbury in April. Jubilee Alpha looked poised to throw down a strong challenge against Sweet Caryline at Wincanton but threw away her chance with a blunder two out and the positions may well be reversed this time. If the ground is not soft, Lagoon Nebula could be a surprise package from Ireland, as she was when scoring here in April.