sixthformer

St Faz was going pretty well at Cheltenham when absolutely hammering the fourth-last fence. Handicap mark is three pounds lower here, and connections Gordon Elliott (SR 26%) and Jack Kennedy (SR 44%) have been in pretty stunning form lately. He has only had three outings for this stable (all promising efforts) since joining from Ed O'Grady's yard. A five-year-old who needs considering in this decent-looking handicap chase.

Willie Mullins sends four horses out for this 2m7f beginners' chase, and the pick of those for me (not for Paul Townend) is Argento Boy. Fifteen-length winner of a maiden hurdle here when odds-on (2m7f, heavy). Rated at a peak of 137 over hurdles. Strong staying pedigree out of a Bob Back mare. Half-brother to Jazzaway and Briar Hill. Ballygunner Castle has run better races over hurdles, in fairness, although Argento Boy was tried in even higher-grade company.

American Jukebox is chanced for Gordon Elliott (SR 26%) and Jack Kennedy (SR 44%). Maybe their success can continue. The 5yo by Mahler is a half-brother to the stable's 151 RPR-rated chaser, American Mike. He will need to build on it, but showed some bumper promise.

Chosen Comrade has been highly promising, winning a point-to-point, a bumper, and, latterly, a mares' maiden hurdle comfortably in October. It's a big step up in grade to a Listed mares' novice hurdle now, but this 4yo Walk In The Park filly may be capable of big things. Peter Fahey trains (Listed second with last runner).

Newbrook Diamond ran a good race last time when second to a decent sort and sets a strong standard for two Willie Mullins-trained runners and other trained runners to match. That horse has been backed, so I'll go with Espresso Milan, forecast favourite by the Racing Post. Showed some ability in quite decent bumpers for Fergal O'Brien, so is interesting on transfer to this yard. Paul Townend (SR 21%) rides. I'm not hugely optimistic, but I'll play this horse at 5-2 (Newbrook Diamond did look a bit useful last time).

I agree with the betting market that this looks between Charlus (Triumph Hurdle attempt last year for Willie Mullins) and 133-rated Jigoro, who reverts to hurdles from chasing in first-time cheekpieces for Gordon Elliott (SR 26%) and Jack Kennedy (SR 44%). I guess the Willie Mullins-trained horse has been showing ability at home. Form-wise, two miles on heavy ground will suit Jigoro well. He has won just one of 10 hurdle starts, but there have been many decent efforts at a higher level than this in his hurdles form.

Some interesting prospects here. Walking In Mayo gets the vote, markedly upped in trip on handicap debut for Paddy Rothwell. Jockey Darragh O'Keeffe (profitable to follow on all runners this season) is booked. Form-wise, this 5yo mare by Walk In The Park won a maiden point by fifteen lengths ('kept on well', 3m, soft) in March 2025 and has since been either 'always behind', 'towards rear', or 'in rear' in four maiden races. While this might suggest to the uninitiated a pretty flaky racehorse, I will go with the Racing Post wisdom which says 'can surely do better.' Market interest.

Many of interest and many with chances. Pebble Bleu was arguably a bit lucky when running away under a clever ride from 7lb claimer Michael Kenneally (rode my winning Saturday NAP very well ??" thank you, Michael) last time but is being backed. Less money about for Johnny Cakes, but this Philip Rothwell-trained 6yo by It's Gino was sent off 3-1JF last time only to race towards the rear and be beaten 53 lengths. Some improvement needed. 1 win from 18 under rules. I'm not sure. Raining here (3:30 a.m.) and an inspection due. Comfortable winner over 2m4f on heavy ground here in February. TP Roche claims 3lb. A tidy double in prospect for the trainer in the two divisions of this race (maybe?!).

A bit hopeful, but a chance is taken on Bernie The Bear. Alex Jary claims 3 lb from a basement mark of OR46 anyway. Has won 3 and placed on 12 other occasions in 31 AW starts. Runs for Linda Perratt, having returned to action over course and distance last time, running prominently for a long way in the first outing for many months. Can build on that. Winner over C&D for Richard Fahey off OR50 in October 2023. Has gone close on numerous occasions for this yard. 25-1 may be a value bet in a 13-runner Class 6 handicap.