Pieros
If I reflect on my journey, I realize that horse racing gambling has been a lifelong passion for me. It all began when I was merely fourteen years old, though I must admit that success didn't always come easily. Learning the hard way, with the weight of my own money at stake, taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me to this day. However, my life took a significant turn when Betfair entered the scene. This remarkable internet platform opened doors for me, offering an opportunity to study and analyze the fluctuating odds in an entirely new way. I witnessed countless individuals laying horses rated at 12/1 on the course, hoping to make a quick twenty quid, only to face long-term consequences. Sadly, many of those impulsive heroes are no longer with us. After spending several years dedicated to studying and testing this revolutionary betting approach, I made a life-changing decision. I bid farewell to my position as a sales manager and fully embraced a life devoted to horse racing. Since then, I have been joyfully immersed in this extraordinary sport, managing to generate profits while becoming completely addicted to the thrill of making accurate predictions. When I back a winner, I can't help but celebrate loudly, eager to let everyone know that I was spot on. I have developed an aversion to backing short-priced favorites and consciously avoid placing bets on odds-on runners. Although, I must admit that I occasionally succumb to the temptation and back a favorite, only to feel a tinge of guilt or a sense of foolishness when it fails to deliver. Despite my many years of experience, I remain a perpetual learner, constantly seeking to expand my knowledge and refine my strategies. In recent years, I have had the privilege of establishing connections with numerous racing yards, even coming close to owning racehorses. Yet, I have hesitated to take that leap of faith, missing out on some truly remarkable opportunities. My adoration for juveniles and their raw talent fuels my ambition, and I am determined to enter the market as an owner in the near future, driven by a burning desire to be a part of their incredible journeys. Horse racing has been my lifelong passion, and I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me. Every day, I am reminded of the vastness of this sport and the endless opportunities for growth and discovery. As I embark on this exciting path, I invite you to join me, sharing in the joy and anticipation that only horse racing can offer. Together, let us celebrate the triumphs, learn from the losses, and embrace the beauty of this remarkable world.
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Pieros's Tips History
21 March 2025
16:37 4:37 Newbury
Mahler Moon
Daily Racing
35 EW
@8.00
Win
294
In the each-way market, with bookies offering an extra place, Mahler Moon looks a tempting prospect. He finished second in this race last year and returns off a 5lb lower mark this time. After a couple of months off following a wind operation, he made a respectable comeback over an inadequate 2m4f trip at Taunton, staying on at his own pace to finish a distant third. That effort looked a solid prep run for this race, and with Jonathan Burke taking over the ride, further improvement is expected now that he has that run under his belt. He looks well capable of getting involved for a place in the frame at around 7/1.
Super Sabre Sam
Daily Racing
70 WIN
@6.50
Lose
-70
Super Sabre Sam holds a clear chance of getting involved here, as he has been crying out for a step up in distance. In his last two outings, he’s been outpaced when the tempo increased, only to stay on strongly in the closing stages. The handicapper has kept his mark unchanged, which looks generous given his recent performances. Neil Mulholland’s yard is in excellent form, particularly with staying types, and this race looks well within his reach. Should be firmly in the mix at around 11/2.
16:25 4:25 Musselburgh
Forged Well
Daily Racing
35 EW
@13.00
Lose
-70
While most of these runners are usually tackling easier Class 4 and 5 races, Forged Well has consistently proven competitive at a higher level and offers solid each-way appeal at around 12/1. He impressed when stepping up in distance to win at Kelso, beating an in-form Harper Valley. Following that, he ran a creditable second to Young Jack over 2m6f, doing his best work late. His last two runs saw him struggle to keep pace on heavy ground, including a fall at Wetherby in a competitive handicap when still in contention for a place. I suspect quicker ground at this venue will suit him better, and he’s worth another chance to bounce back at 12/1, with all bookies offering the extra place.
15:40 3:40 Ffos Las
Balkardy
Daily Racing
25 EW
@8.50
Lose
-50
Local Welsh trainer Evan Williams fields two runners in this race, but Balkardy appears to have an appealing each-way chance at 15/2 in what looks a wide-open contest with no standout form. He secured a win at Stratford in October before struggling off a higher mark. Last time out at Ludlow, he was running a decent race in third position when he fell two out. That was a competitive heat for the grade, and inexperienced claimer Eleanor Williams possibly left him with too much to do, running in snatches. The form has received a minor boost with the runner-up, Kelse, winning earlier this week at Wetherby. Crucially, Balkardy is now back down to his last winning mark, making him a live each-way contender.
15:30 3:30 Newbury
Zain Nights
Daily Racing
50 WINNOTEBest Odds Guaranteed SP 5.00 used instead of 4.33 takenBOG
@5.00
Win
200
Another competitive small-field heat sees Zain Night making a swift reappearance after a thoroughly disappointing effort just eight days ago in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival. He was outpaced early, gradually lost touch, and was eventually pulled up. The combination of racing too keenly and encountering ground slower than ideal likely contributed to his underperformance. However, his previous form holds up well, having won this race last year and demonstrating solid performances on good ground. Notably, he finished third to The Wallpark at Cheltenham last October, and his qualifier run at Huntington was excellent considering the conditions. Zain Night is on a favourable mark and looks poised to bounce back fitter, with the first-time visor expected to help him settle. At around 7/2, he looks worth a bet.
15:00 3:00 Newbury
Aucunrisque
Daily Racing
50 EW
@9.50
Win
35
A competitive-looking handicap where top weight Aucunrisque appears to offer good value at around 17/2, given his proven course and distance form. He was in fine form at the beginning of the season when the ground remained on the quicker side, scoring at Ascot against a couple of rivals who have progressed well in recent months. Although he found life tougher when raised in class and the ratings, Aucunrisque has been kept active and consistently performed respectably. His mark has now dropped back to an appealing 130, a rating that saw him competitive last autumn. In a smaller field where he could dictate the pace from the front, he looks a cracking each-way bet.
Subtotal339
20 March 2025
17:15 5:15 Chepstow
Fortunate Fella
Daily Racing
35 EW
@6.50
Lose
-70
Fortunate Fella has yet to shine since joining Paul Nicholls after a couple of placed efforts in point-to-points, but he tackles 3 miles for the first time off an opening, workable mark of 99. His last run at Taunton at novice level was far from a disgrace in what appeared to be a decent enough maiden for the grade. That was only his second run of the season, so I expect him to improve now stepping up in distance on decent ground. Ben Bromley claims a valuable 5lb, and at 11/2, he looks an each-way player for a yard that tends to do well at this venue.
16:20 4:20 Sedgefield
Shattered Soldier
Daily Racing
35 EW
@8.50
Lose
-70
Shattered Soldier was an impressive Irish point winner on good ground last April, and after a couple of respectable runs over hurdles, Laura Morgan wasted no time switching him to chasing. Given his physique and scope, it’s clear this is more his game. Making his handicap debut over fences, he was well-backed into favouritism and finished a close third, beaten by less than two lengths after tiring in the closing stages. That was an excellent first effort, and the trainer now reaches for a headgear combination for the first time to help him focus better. Running off the same mark and returning to a quicker surface, Shattered Soldier looks a solid each-way option at around 15/2.
15:45 3:45 Sedgefield
Maura Jeanne
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@5.50
Lose
-50
Born In The West appears to be a progressive young horse who still looks fairly handicapped despite his recent rise in the weights. However, he will need to prove his stamina over today’s trip. At bigger odds, I'm inclined to give a chance to Maura Jeanne, who has found her stride since returning to Ted Duncan from Ireland. She secured a victory earlier at Kelso, beating the red-hot, in-form You Some Girl, and then stayed on strongly over an inadequate shorter trip here at Sedgefield. Her subsequent run at Musselburgh was disappointing, but that right-handed, sharp track clearly did not suit her. She posted a career-best performance last time out when landing a Class 4 event at Ayr, pulling seven lengths clear of the runner-up in impressive fashion. Despite the penalty, I suspect she remains fairly treated. Even if she's not particularly strong in the market, her drop down into Class 5 company makes her worth siding with at 9/2.
15:10 3:10 Sedgefield
Siberian Star
Daily Racing
100 WIN
@2.25
Lose
-100
Siberian Star will be a warm order, and rightly so, as he has shown improved performances in defeat on his last two outings, suggesting his turn is approaching sooner rather than later. He defeated Rostello in January at Catterick before finding life tough at Plumpton in the Sussex National, where he was running out of the handicap. His subsequent effort over hurdles at Warwick was eye-catching, finishing strongly before being narrowly headed by the 117-rated Northern Poet at Doncaster last time out. He appears to be in excellent form, and the quicker ground clearly suits him. With Sean Bowen taking over the ride and running off a still favourable mark, he looks the one to beat on form.
Subtotal-290
18 March 2025
15:00 3:00 Wetherby
Audacious Annie
Daily Racing
100 WINNOTEBest Odds Guaranteed SP 2.50 used instead of 2.25 takenBOG
@2.50
Win
150
Audacious Annie showed a nice turn of foot to win on her racecourse debut in a bumper at this venue. Upped to Listed level, she couldn’t quite reproduce that level of form but made a very good debut when sent hurdling at Ffos Las, finishing a remote second to the progressive Blue Las. She then travelled to Ayr to face a strong field, finishing a creditable third. The form has worked out really well, with the winner That'll Do Moss only denied by a short head in a subsequent Sandown Grade 2. The second horse home, My Kiwi Girl, who was favourite that day, won last time out, while fourth-placed Lizzie Luna scored subsequently at Musselburgh. Jamie Snowden’s mare goes up in trip today, which could spark further improvement, and Gavin Sheehan’s presence as his only ride on the card speaks volumes. She should be heavily involved against rivals with plenty to prove on bare form.
Subtotal150
17 March 2025
16:12 4:12 Down Royal
Digby
Daily Racing
25 EW
@13.00
Lose
-50
Nothing sets a clear standard here, and the outsider of the lot, Digby, could bounce back after some disappointing efforts at a higher level, returning today on a quicker surface. He began his chasing career with two promising runs, finishing second at Fairyhouse and then being the only one to keep up with Klassical Dream at Thurles. His best performances have been right-handed, including a solid effort at Sligo when only beaten three lengths by Jazzy Matty. Now just one pound higher than when successful over hurdles, he's worth an each-way bet, especially with several of his opponents having questions to answer.
1 member found this comment useful
16:05 4:05 Southwell
Jessie Jump Jet
Daily Racing
50 EW
@7.00
Lose
-100
I’m giving a chance to Jessie Jump Jet, the sole runner on the card for Tom Lacey today. By Blue Bresil and out of Jester Jet, who won a Grade 3 at the Aintree Festival for the same yard, she has the pedigree to improve with racing experience and step up in distance, much like her dam. Her best effort so far came in a bumper at Huntington, and while her four runs over hurdles have been in competitive novice events, she has shown glimpses of promise. Made her handicap debut 25 days ago staying on nicely into 5th, suggesting today’s step up in distance should suit: she’s been travelling and jumping well before tiring late in her previous efforts, so there’s potential for improvement in these calmer waters off a reduced mark of 90. At around 6/1, she’s worth an each-way bet with bookies offering extra places.
1 member found this comment useful
14:02 2:02 Fontwell
Dwight K Schrute
Daily Racing
50 EW
@6.00
Win
300
The in-form Jamie Snowden ??" Gavin Sheehan combination has their only runner on the card with the lightly raced Dwight K Schrute. A winner of a good-ground British point, he has shown promise in two runs under rules, with a more progressive performance last time out at Hereford despite jumping to his left. Both outings for the yard appeared to be more educational, and he should have a better chance today in this easier maiden contest. A flatter track should suit, and he looks set to be in the mix.
Subtotal150
16 March 2025
16:47 4:47 Chepstow
El Rojo Grande
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@3.50
Lose
-50
El Rojo Grande made a very eye-catching return after a 668-day absence from the racecourse. He was heavily backed before the off from huge odds and raced prominently throughout, but his tendency to jump left at every fence cost him precious ground. Despite this, he still managed to finish a creditable third. The form looks solid, with the second horse, Siam Park, winning subsequently, and Camino Rocio, who was pulled up in that race, scoring next time out at Market Rasen. Gavin Sheehan now takes over from a claimer, which is a positive, and this left-handed track should suit him better. Off a very low handicap mark, I expect him to go very well.
16:32 4:32 Market Rasen
Moonlit Potter
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@3.75
Lose
-50
Moonlit Potter has always been highly regarded but hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. A hurdles winner at Lingfield, she was narrowly beaten over fences and has since disappointed on testing ground. Last time out, she travelled well and was still in contention entering the straight before stopping to walk in the final furlongs. That effort came when Henry Daly’s horses were out of form, but the yard is in much better shape now. Freshened up after a break and expected to improve on better ground, she’s the stable’s only runner on the card and worth considering at around 3/1.
15:37 3:37 Chepstow
Blue Las
Daily Racing
50 WINR4Deductions based on standard industry rates given the odds of each withdrawn horse at time of first withdrawal following your betNR
@3.50
Void
0
It was a bit of a change of tactics for Blue Las last time out in a Grade 2 at Sandown, giving her rivals plenty of ground at the start instead of taking the lead like she did when winning at Ffos Las. She also occasionally jumped to her left, which should be better suited to this left-handed track. The winner, Hollygrove Cha Cha, is a smart mare who went on to compete at the Cheltenham Festival. Blue Las was outpaced when the tempo lifted but kept finding more up the Sandown Hill to secure an excellent third and earn black type. Making her handicap debut off a mark of 121, with Dylan Johnston able to claim 3lb today, she looks set for a good run with a consistent profile against some interesting opponents with questions to answer.
15:02 3:02 Chepstow
Ask Brewster
Daily Racing
50 EW
@10.00
Win
540
Nothing really stands out on form, so I’m inclined to give Ask Brewster an each-way chance at juicy odds. He ended last season with a hurdles victory and began this campaign with a win over fences. However, he’s struggled since, running lazily and looking out of sorts on winter ground, eventually being pulled up here at Chepstow. Signs of a revival were evident last time out at Taunton, despite being beaten by two of these rivals. He found a little extra to chase the front four at the final bend, and although he made some jumping errors in the closing stages, he showed enough ability to suggest he can be competitive at this level. I suspect the quicker ground, along with a tumbling handicap mark, could spark improvement. Worth a go at 17/2 for a trainer who does well at this venue.
14:22 2:22 Market Rasen
Hung Jury
Daily Racing
25 EW
@9.50
Lose
-50
Hung Jury ran better than his finishing result suggests on his rules debut for Martin Keighley in a competitive novice contest at Chepstow. A multiple point-to-point winner with solid experience, he raced prominently and responded well under pressure before being outpaced by stronger rivals. Today’s race looks easier, and Freddie Keighley’s 10lb claim could prove crucial. Worth an each-way bet at double digits.
Subtotal390
15 March 2025
15:00 3:00 Uttoxeter
Saint Davy
Daily Racing
50 EW
@17.00
Lose
-100
The seven-year-old Saint Davy, a £270,000 purchase at Goffs December PTP Sale on the back of an easy victory in a Quakerstown maiden Point, is a promising son of Balko with prestigious French bloodlines. Lightly raced, he has won three of five hurdle starts, including a valuable Sandown prize. His only defeats came on bad ground here at Uttoxeter and in a Grade 1 novice. Sent straight to Grade 2 over fences, he ran well, finishing only 4 lengths behind Handstands, now unbeaten and with form boosted by Jango Baie this week at Cheltenham. Pressured for the lead and making a clumsy mistake last time, he tailed off but wasn’t knocked about. The longer trip should suit, giving him time to jump his fences. Seen as a future Grand National prospect in the yard, double Cheltenham festival winner Jonjo O'Neill Jr rides him over Iron Bridge, and first-time blinkers could sharpen his jumping. At 16/1 with bookies offering extra places, he has a solid each way chance in this wide-open staying contest.
1 member found this comment useful
Subtotal-100
14 March 2025
17:20 5:20 Cheltenham
Kopeck De Mee
Daily Racing
100 WIN
@3.50
Lose
-100
In the final race of the festival, we could see a handicap blot in Kopeck De Mee, who was unbeaten last season in France, including a Listed success at Auteuil where he defeated strong opposition, including Zephyr De Beaumon, a subsequent Grade 1 runner-up. Purchased by Jp McManus and sent to Willie Mullins, he has been kept specifically for this race as the British handicapper has assessed him off a mark of 136, which appears to be 12lb below what should be the correct rating. Of course, he is making his UK debut after a year off the track, but Mullins has successfully executed similar strategies before, such as with Jimmy Du Seuil, who romped home in the Coral Cup this week. He’s a skinny price at 5/2 in such a competitive race, but this front-runner could have plenty in hand from the handicapper and looks a strong contender for powerful connections.
16:40 4:40 Cheltenham
Willitgoahead
Daily Racing
35 EWNOTEBest Odds Guaranteed SP 7.50 used instead of 6.00 takenBOG
@7.50
Win
10
Gordon Elliott has had a tough time at this Cheltenham Festival, with zero winners despite bringing all his top guns. However, he may find some joy in this Hunters' Chase with the multiple point-to-point winner Willitgoahead, who seems to have been set aside and aimed specifically at this contest. I was particularly impressed by his easy success at Thurles, travelling well on quickish ground before taking over on the bridle and being eased down towards the finish. He’s very prolific and a solid jumper, making his debut for his new yard. Worth an each-way bet at around 11/2.
15:20 3:20 Cheltenham
Intense Approach
Daily Racing
25 EW
@21.00
Lose
-50
The only horse able to win the Albert Bartlett in the last 13 editions at single-figure odds was Monkfish in 2020, so I’m going to take a chance on an outsider in the each-way market, hoping to at least land a place. One horse that has been climbing the ranks in novices and gaining plenty of valuable experience is Intense Approach, who has won four of his last five runs, including a victory here at the Old Course over this distance. His jumping technique has improved with each run, and he looked particularly impressive when last seen at Musselburgh. John C McConnell has had a couple of big-priced runners this week, with some performing well even in defeat. Sean Bowen is booked for the ride, chasing an elusive first win at the Cheltenham Festival. At 20/1, he’s worth a small each-way punt.
1 member found this comment useful
14:40 2:40 Cheltenham
Brides Hill
Daily Racing
50 EW
@7.00
Win
10
Dinoblue is a strong favourite and ran well when well-fancied in this race last year but wasn’t quite able to get to the winner, despite travelling well for a long way. She has been campaigned over shorter distances, so I’m wondering if she could be vulnerable to a mare better suited by this trip. Gavin Cromwell won this race last year and has several entries, but Keith Donoghue picks Brides Hill instead of Limerick Lace, who he rode to success in the 2024 edition. Brides Hill is one of the most experienced over fences, winning 5 of her 13 runs, including a Grade 2 at Punchestown last May. We've only seen her twice this year, and she was ridden cold (usually prominent or at most midfield), given plenty to do, and allowed to come home at her own pace. I suspect she’ll be much more involved this time around, and I can see her going well at around 6/1 for a yard that has done little wrong this season.
1 member found this comment useful
14:00 2:00 Cheltenham
Kargese
Daily Racing
100 WIN
@4.50
Win
350
Kargese was a high-class juvenile hurdler, winning two Grade 1 races. She gave the smart Majborough a race in the Triumph last year, just going down in the closing stages, and couldn’t lay a glove on Sir Gino at Aintree, but both runs represent very strong form. She got back to winning ways when heavily backed at Punchestown in the Grade 1 Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle. We have only seen her once this season when she was beaten at short odds at Ascot in January, looking a bit rusty and probably in need of the run after a very long break. She looks like a Grade 1 horse in a handicap, rated only 141, and Paul Townend chooses her instead of Absurd, who won this race last year. The trainer has won three of the last five renewals of this race, and given her course form and a workable handicap mark, she seems to be the one to beat at around 7/2.
1 member found this comment useful
13:20 1:20 Cheltenham
East India Dock
Daily Racing
200 WIN
@3.00
Lose
-200
Lulamba has been described as one of the best horses around, and I don’t disagree that he might progress into a top-class jumper in the future. However, at this stage, I think East India Dock is the solid contender, having looked extremely smart both in his jumping and on the clock. Rated nearly 90 on the flat, he went to Wincanton for his hurdling debut last October, scoring with his head in his chest before landing both Triumph trials here at Cheltenham, including one over this course and distance last January. He seems pretty uncomplicated, takes the lead, jumps well, and displayed a nice turn of foot to draw clear from his rivals. He ticks all the boxes with plenty of experience from his flat runs, proven course form, and apparent versatility on different ground conditions. I suspect it will take a very good one to beat him, so he's worth supporting at around 2/1 with the yard still in excellent form.
2 members found this comment useful
Subtotal20
13 March 2025
17:20 5:20 Cheltenham
Walking On Air
Daily Racing
50 EW
@8.00
Lose
-100
Walking On Air looks ready for an extra couple of furlongs after his eye-catching, promising but unlucky last run at Doncaster. You might remember this horse when he was trained by Nicky Henderson and looked like a promising Grade 1 prospect before gradually fading from the spotlight. He jumped and travelled strongly at Doncaster and was about to take the lead when he fell at the last in what appeared to be a pretty competitive Grade 3 Saturday handicap. The Changing Man, who finished second that day, recently franked the form by finishing runner-up in the Ultima. Trainer Gary Brown has his horses in excellent form, and I’m hopeful that Alan O'Sullivan can make good use of his valuable 5lb claim. Walking On Air just sneaks into the handicap at the bottom of the weights, so he looks worth an each-way bet at around 7/1 with bookies paying five places.
1 member found this comment useful
16:00 4:00 Cheltenham
Teahupoo
Daily Racing
100 WIN
@2.50
Lose
-100
Teahupoo has been drifting in the market, but to me, he remains the class act in this field, and I can see him being heavily involved once again in a race he won last year with a similar preparation. He’s a horse that needs plenty of time to recover from his races, which is why we’ve only seen him once this season when beaten by the classy Lossiemouth, who was receiving a 7lb sex allowance. While soft ground is important to him, I’ve seen him perform well on various types of ground, so I doubt there’ll be any excuses if he’s beaten. He has developed into a dominant staying hurdler, pulling off the big double at Punchestown and here, so he’s the type that tends to come alive around this time of the year. To me, he looks tough to beat.
1 member found this comment useful
15:20 3:20 Cheltenham
Fact To File
Daily Racing
200 WINNOTEBest Odds Guaranteed SP 2.50 used instead of 2.25 takenBOG
@2.50
Win
300
There are several highly-rated runners on official terms, but I can’t look past Fact To File. He moved from bumpers straight into novice chases last term, rewarding connections’ boldness with a fine campaign crowned by a comfortable odds-on success in the Brown Advisory at this festival. He relished stepping up in distance for the first time and looked every bit a future Gold Cup horse. In my opinion, he would still have some sort of chance if sent to that race. However, after a brilliant success at the start of the season in the Grade 1 John Durkan at Punchestown, he twice bumped into a fitter Galopin Des Champs. I suspect that, to protect the horse’s confidence, Mullins has decided to drop him back in distance for what appears to be a more winnable race. If he handles this track, which isn’t the most conventional venue compared to those in France, Il Est Francais could be a tough opponent. However, he may face competition for the lead from Protektorat or other prominent runners. Ideally, they could set it up for McManus’s charge, who is a strong traveller with proven course form.
1 member found this comment useful
Jungle Boogie
Daily Racing
25 EW
@13.00
Lose
-50
If you’re looking for an each-way bet at double-digit odds, Jungle Boogie seems overlooked, probably due to his advanced age. However, he’s lightly raced with only seven starts under rules, winning five of them, including a bumper, a hurdle contest, and a beginners’ chase when trained by Willie Mullins. Picked up by Henry De Bromhead and always competing at the highest level, he was a big eye-catcher in last year’s Gold Cup, traveling smoothly for a long way before looking like a non-stayer at that trip. He had an excellent prep run in December at Ascot when, despite jumping every fence to his left, he won easily by seven lengths. The overall scenario of this contest should suit him well: a strong pace set by Il Est Francais will give him a nice toe into the race, and he could be the one to pick up the pieces for a spot in the frame.
1 member found this comment useful
14:40 2:40 Cheltenham
D Art D Art
Daily Racing
35 EW
@12.00
Lose
-70
I always have a lot of respect for Thomas Cooper, who doesn’t waste an entry for such an event and is often on the money when travelling from Ireland. D Art D Art has been progressive all season with three runs and has never been out of the frame. He won at Punchestown in October when stepped back up in distance and was given a lot to do next time out at Navan. Still, he appeared to appreciate the step up in trip, finishing his race off strongly. He went very close at Carlisle when making eye-catching headway before being caught in the closing stages. All his races have looked competitive enough, with horses like Sa Fureur and subsequent Grade 2 winner Gwennie May Boy in the line-ups. This suggests he could still be well-treated off a mark of 136. With several front runners in this large field ensuring a decent pace, the setup should suit him. I can see him picking up the pieces late on, and he looks an interesting player at around 11/1.
1 member found this comment useful
Jeriko Du Reponet
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@6.00
Lose
-50
Jeriko Du Reponet ran a rather strange race last time out at Exeter and qualified for this Pertemps Final on a workable mark of 135. He was an exciting prospect last season, winning three out of four novice hurdles before losing his unbeaten record in the Supreme at this festival. Clearly highly regarded, he was sent off as odds-on favourite for all three wins, including a Grade 2 at Doncaster. However, he was pulled up here at Cheltenham when the Henderson stable was under a cloud. His chasing career didn’t work out, and he was sent back over hurdles, producing an ordinary effort in a Grade 3 at Newbury, finishing a 10-lengths 5th of 13. The decision to step him up in distance, having stayed on well in the closing stages of that Newbury race, brought some improvement. He saw out the trip well last time out, so there should be plenty more to come off this mark. He looks like a solid contender at around 5/1.
1 member found this comment useful
14:00 2:00 Cheltenham
Firefox
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@7.00
Lose
-50
Firefox was rubbing shoulders with top novice hurdlers at all the major festivals last season, and he’s the only horse to have defeated Ballyburn. With his physical size and scope, he has always looked like a natural chaser in the making. He won his first start over fences at Down Royal, jumping beautifully, and was then sent to compete in Grade 1 company, where he bumped into some of the best novices around. He ran creditably but just came up short of that elusive Grade 1 victory. Firefox is a Grade 1 horse running in a handicap, and Jack Kennedy is back on board. With a combination of pace and stamina, he may well find his niche at this level, especially as he returns to the trip that brought him success at the beginning of the season.
1 member found this comment useful
Pic Roc
Daily Racing
35 EW
@13.00
Lose
-70
Ben Jones has established himself as one of the best jockeys in England this year and is now also a Cheltenham Festival winner on Haiti Couleurs. Pic Rock has been lightly raced but has already shown plenty of promise, particularly when beating Inthewaterside last year at Ascot. He went chasing and was heavily backed into favouritism when facing Asta La Pasta at Carlisle but fell at the fifth, picking up an injury. He returned with two excellent runs: a close second at Exeter, conceding weight all around, and then at Newbury when taking on the well-handicapped Lord Of Thunder, with the pair finishing miles clear of the rest. He appeared to tire in the closing stages at Newbury, so the return to an intermediate trip at this stiff track looks a sensible move. Those who race prominently here are often favoured, and this frontrunner could use his stamina to climb the hill and get involved for a place in the frame at around 12/1.
1 member found this comment useful
13:20 1:20 Cheltenham
Diva Luna
Daily Racing
35 EWNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deduction
@15.00
Win
63
Ben Pauling has had a fantastic season, and I love that he takes on much more fancied horses and trainers with Diva Luna, who has always been held in high regard. This mare went straight into Listed company on her debut for the yard, landing a Market Rasen bumper before confirming her quality at Grade 2 level by scoring at Aintree during the National meeting. She’s been a bit hit-and-miss in three runs over hurdles but won well here at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Although that race was over a longer distance, she looks quick enough to remain competitive over this minimum trip, especially on the New Course, where stamina is crucial with such a long run before reaching the final hurdle. I suspect we haven’t seen the best of this very well-bred mare yet, and I see her as a solid each-way player at double-digit odds and possibly the best of the home team’s chances.
1 member found this comment useful
Galileo Dame
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@6.50
Lose
-50
Sixandahalf was very impressive at Fairyhouse, but I was equally taken by Galileo Dame when facing the geldings in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown, in the race won by the still unbeaten (at the time of writing, heading for the Turners) Hello Neighbour. She was rated almost 100 on the flat and finished second to Hamish in a Listed event at The Curragh. She adapted well to hurdling and improved on only her second start, outrunning her odds. I honestly thought she would have won that race, but a terrible jump at the last gave her no chance. To be fair, her jumping was far from fluent, but I’m hopeful she’s had plenty of schooling since her last run. She was originally meant to go for the Triumph, but Joseph O’Brien opted for this event against her own sex, where she receives a handy 7lb age allowance. At around 13/2, she must be considered.
1 member found this comment useful
Subtotal-177
12 March 2025
16:40 4:40 Cheltenham
Jasko Des Dames
Daily Racing
25 EWNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deductionOdds taken at 21.00
@21.00
Win
75
I don’t have a strong opinion on this contest, and I found it tough to rate these horses based on some lightly-raced profiles over fences. At 20/1, I’ll have a small each-way bet on Jasko Des Dames, representing the trainer-jockey combination that won this race in 2023 with Maskada. He won at Hexham on his chasing debut, conceding plenty of weight to An Peann Dearg, who has since gone on to score twice. Jasko Des Dames made it 2/2 at Punchestown with a comfortable victory in November. He then produced a good run in defeat when carrying a penalty in a Novice Chase and returned after a two-month break with a slightly rusty display on ground softer than ideal. He now makes his handicap debut off a mark of 131, which looks lenient based on his autumn form. However, he’s only six and lacks the experience of some of his rivals. That said, he enters the handicap at the bottom end of the weights, carrying only 10-3. Henry De Bromhead’s horses tend to be revitalized during this period on spring ground, so Jasko Des Dames could have a bit of a chance with bookies offering 5/6 places.
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16:00 4:00 Cheltenham
Solness
Daily Racing
35 EW
@8.50
Lose
-70
Multiple Grade1 winner Jonbon looks rock solid at the head of the market, but his Cheltenham record is not in line with his overall performance. He is 17 out of 20 in his career, and the three losses came at this venue, where he has never quite been able to shine, even when winning twice. This race doesn’t look too competitive given his official rating, so even a below-par Jonbon could be good enough to get the job done. With eight runners and three places, I’m going to oppose him with an each-way bet at 15/2 on Solness, who has impressed me in his last two performances, winning both Grade1s at Leopardstown over a similar trip. A change of tactics worked wonders for him, as he set a strong pace from the front, reaching speeds of 37 miles per hour, which put his opponents under pressure and forced them to make mistakes. He jumped brilliantly, and when looking vulnerable two out, he found another gear, galloping strongly to the line. Nobody knows if he is still capable of doing this again, especially here at Cheltenham, but he beat some proper horses and if in a similar mood, could be uncatchable.
1 member found this comment useful
15:20 3:20 Cheltenham
Busselton
Daily Racing
50 EW
@8.00
Lose
-100
Given that this year this race became a handicap, I’m giving Busselton a fair each-way chance at around 7/1, entering the race at the bottom end of the weights and carrying only 10-5. I've been watching his runs over this course and distance, and his performance in December was fairly eye-catching. He was outpaced by the leaders but stayed on strongly to finish a distant 5th, beaten by around 15 lengths. He re-opposes the winner here, and he's more than a stone better off this time. Busselton has strong form on the flat, capable of winning off a mark of 80 at the Galway Festival, and he’s now adapting well to this new discipline with trip looking to be within his range. I think Joseph O'Brien has done an excellent job getting his horses well-in at the weights for several races at this festival, and Busselton could well be in the mix at the right time again.
1 member found this comment useful
Galvin
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@5.50
Lose
-50
The latest news is that the Cross Country course has been drying out, and with no more rain expected this week, these conditions should suit Galvin. A Grade 1 winner at his peak, he showed signs of that ability when finishing fourth in last season’s Grand National, despite being kept away from regulation fences since 2022. He was second in this race in 2023 but was slightly penalized by testing ground since then. However, his last appearance, when travelling to the USA, was excellent, as he finished a close second, beaten by just a neck over the inadequate 2m5f trip. He goes well fresh and has been kept out since, with this race as the target before having another crack at the Aintree Randox Grand National next month. I honestly think this is a more realistic target, and I can see him going well at around 9/2, with conditions likely to suit.
1 member found this comment useful
14:40 2:40 Cheltenham
Bunting
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@6.50
Lose
-50
Bunting has been a long-standing horse in my tracker since Willie Mullins imported him from France after he won a bumper by a wide margin. He made an eye-catching debut for the yard, scoring by 8 lengths at Limerick, though he didn’t quite build on that initial promise last season. He still managed a creditable fourth in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown but was a bit disappointing when finishing seventh when only 11/2 for the Triumph Hurdle. He was well beaten again at Punchestown subsequently. He made his return only in January but was beaten that day. However, the slow pace on testing conditions didn’t help his jumping, and he was facing much fitter opponents. Now, he heads straight to the festival, with Paul Townend, who hasn’t ridden in the last three editions of this race, back on board. This convinces me that he might be well handicapped off a mark of 139, especially considering that he was primarily aimed at Grade 1 races and is clearly highly regarded at home. He is still only five and, at around 8/1, he possibly has a lot more to offer now upped in distance for a handicap.
1 member found this comment useful
Comfort Zone
Daily Racing
50 EW
@11.00
Lose
-100
With bookies offering six places, I can see Comfort Zone having an excellent chance of making the extended frame, given his overall profile both on the flat and over hurdles for Joseph O’Brien. A winner on his sole appearance at this venue in 2023, he beat Jazzy Matty in a maiden at Navan before finishing third to Lossiemouth at Fairyhouse. He performed well at Galway last summer when finishing third to The Wallpark, who is now a warm order for the stayers. Comfort Zone went on to win a Premier Handicap on the flat over two miles at Naas and then produced a solid run at Leopardstown in December, finishing a close third despite being hampered at the final bend. He was clearly finishing stronger than most to claim that third spot. He enters the handicap on the low side of the weights, carrying only 10-13, with Mark Walsh taking the ride for the first time. While this looks to be a pretty competitive heat with several horses dropping in class, I’m not sure he can win. However, I do see him staying on strongly up the hill to grab a place in the frame at double-digit odds.
1 member found this comment useful
13:20 1:20 Cheltenham
Final Demand
Daily Racing
200 WIN
@2.88
Lose
-200
The New Lion has looked particularly impressive in every single run so far, scoring in the Challow without even coming off the bridle, making him a solid contender for this renewal of the Turners. However, I must admit I don't rate the English novices too highly this season, with the form of that race taking some knocks since. Willie Mullins has won this race for the last three years, and Final Demand looked like an excellent winner at Grade 1 level at Leopardstown. Always near the pace, he appeared to be an uncomplicated ride, jumping well and moving into a challenging position at the final bend before drawing clear from Wingmen, who is well-fancied for the Albert Bartlett. By Walk In The Park out of Zuzka, herself a five-time winner for this yard who produced several winners over the years and preferred sounder surfaces, I wouldn’t be concerned about the drying conditions for this unexposed and potentially classy individual. He’s probably bred to stay further and will improve from a fence, but at this stage of his career, I suspect that 2m5f at this stiff venue is just what he needs.
1 member found this comment useful
Potters Charm
Daily Racing
35 EW
@15.00
Lose
-70
If you're looking for an each-way bet, you can't discount the chances of Potters Charm at around 14/1, a horse that has produced his best efforts over this course and distance. He looked pretty smart here in the autumn, scoring in a novice event and later in a Grade 2, though he still seemed like a work in progress. He went on to win a Grade 1 at Aintree in December despite dropping back in trip, which didn't suit him ideally. Nigel Twiston-Davies might have been a bit greedy running him unprepared here in January, where he was ultimately beaten by Sixmilebridge, who was later disqualified for using prohibited substances. Hopefully, they've learned their lesson and are bringing this very promising horse here in top form. Aside from that last run, he has looked impressive, so I'm willing to forgive that effort and keep the faith. Potters Charm is capable of running a good race over this course and distance and securing a place at generous odds.
1 member found this comment useful
Subtotal-565
11 March 2025
17:20 5:20 Cheltenham
Haiti Couleurs
Daily Racing
75 WINNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deductionOdds taken at 5.50
@5.50
Win
337
Since making his debut over fences in October, Haiti Couleurs has caught the eye with his excellent jumping technique and scope. Already improving over hurdles, winning his final two races in the spring last term, he was aimed at Grade 2 company but didn’t quite look ready for it just yet. He impressed when landing the odds in a small field at Aintree in November and confirmed that strong impression here at Cheltenham in December over an extended 3m1f trip, jumping well and finishing his race strongly up the famous hill. I liked the decision to drop back over hurdles to protect his handicap mark, which ultimately rose by only 13lb for two wins at major British tracks, plus two placings, including at Newbury, where he was kept far from the action before finishing well in third. The form of his races has worked out well, with several rivals subsequently producing strong efforts, including Moon D'Orange, who won an ultra-competitive race here at the January meeting. This extra mileage could suit him, given how strongly he finishes his races, and with Ben Jones, who knows him well, back on board, he should have a chance if he stays the trip.
2 members found this comment useful
Will Do
Daily Racing
50 EWNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deductionOdds taken at 13.00
@13.00
Win
70
Gordon Elliott said that he doesn’t have well-handicapped horses at this edition of the Cheltenham festival, as the British handicapper had no mercy on Irish raiders this time around, but I suspect Will Do arrives here on a good mark. Yet to win a race over fences, he has been the protagonist of several strong performances in defeat, including an eye-catching run over 3m3f last time out in a Listed race at Punchestown, finishing second to the late market mover Fortunedefortunata, with the pair miles clear of the rest. By Walk In The Park, he has been aimed all season at staying contests on testing ground, showing gradually improved jumping technique and gaining valuable experience in large fields. On better ground, he looks fairly weighted at 11-1 and could stay this distance, and Jack Kennedy agrees, having chosen Will Do from the three yard options. At around 12/1, with all bookies offering five places, he is my idea of an each-way play in what looks like a pretty tough puzzle to solve.
2 members found this comment useful
16:40 4:40 Cheltenham
Beyond Your Dreams
Daily Racing
50 EW
@8.00
Lose
-100
JP McManus has a strong hand in this race, with several fancied runners wearing the green and gold silks. Joseph O'Brien won this race last year and has a couple of entries, including the lightly weighted Beyond Your Dreams. He has been a work in progress for a while, running over inadequate trips on the flat before producing two convincing performances when stepped up to 1m4f. He was beaten by only half a length by Total Look, who seems more of a stayer than a two-miler and has been given a mark of 132, while the selection is assessed at 123, which looks lenient based on his hurdle form. He went on to win at Fairyhouse with a smooth, strong run in the closing stages, suggesting he could be well suited to a strongly run event like this one. His jumping was far from perfect, so the trainer reaches for headgear, which should help him focus more on the hurdles than on the horses around him. Mark Walsh has chosen Puturhandstogether, who also has an excellent chance, but I’m happy with JJ Slevin on board. At 7/1 with six places, he must go seriously on the shortlist, shouldering only 10-13.
1 member found this comment useful
Stencil
Daily Racing
50 WIN
@6.50
Lose
-50
This is an important race because a good run by Stencil could further boost East India Dock’s form, if that were even necessary. I’m always curious to see a French horse running in the UK and taking on stiff tracks like Cheltenham, and I was pleasantly surprised by his performance in the Triumph Trial over the New Course. He jumped and travelled brilliantly under James Reveley, and when they turned for home, I thought he had some sort of chance before his opponent drew clear, beating him by 10 lengths while clocking serious fractions. He himself was 18 lengths clear of the third, and a mark of 135 puts him fully in contention. He won twice in France over hurdles before flopping on extreme conditions at Compiègne in November. Purchased by JP McManus, he has been kept fresh for this race since his excellent UK debut and makes plenty of appeal at around 11/2.
1 member found this comment useful
16:00 4:00 Cheltenham
Brighterdaysahead
Daily Racing
100 WIN
@3.25
Lose
-100
This is the big one on Day 1, and despite missing a great protagonist in Lossiemouth, who was rerouted to the Mares' Hurdle, it still looks like a cracking contest. If ConstitutionHill were back to his very best, he’d be another certainty, but he has been out for some time with serious problems, so I tend to conclude that he could be vulnerable to a progressive opponent. Elliott has decided to go for it after being impressed by Brighterdaysahead in her three runs this season, with an exceptional performance both visually and on the clock last time out in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown, when she went five seconds below the standard in the easiest fashion. I must confess I was a bit disappointed by her when she was beaten at the last festival, but there are excuses for that run. She immediately made amends at Aintree, landing the Grade 1 Mersey by a wide margin. If anything, she has improved further with another summer under her belt and benefits from a 7lb sex allowance. She needs time to get going, so the addition of King Of Kingsfield as a pacemaker looks ideal, as it worked perfectly last time out.
2 members found this comment useful
15:20 3:20 Cheltenham
Lossiemouth
Daily Racing
250 WINNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deduction
@1.67
Win
167
I’d have preferred to see her take her chance in the Champion Hurdle, but Rich Ricci remains realistic and has decided to keep his mare in this contest, which she won so easily last year. She has been an incredible horse to own, winning nine of her 12 races and remaining unbeaten in three starts here at Cheltenham. She was campaigned for the step back in distance, but you could see her struggling at Kempton to chase home Constitution Hill over two miles, only to stay on again in the closing stages, suggesting her ideal trip is further. Before that, she had dominated Teahupoo in the Grade1 Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in effortless fashion, finishing extremely strongly over 2m4f. She is also 9lb clear on official ratings from her nearest opponent in this race. I will forgive her last run when she fell, apparently distracted by a group of seagulls on the track. She may seem like she has been around for ages,but she is only six and still relatively lightly raced, with plenty more to offer, especially against her own sex. With strong course form and versatility regarding ground conditions, Mullins’mare has plenty in her favour and looks solid.
2 members found this comment useful
14:40 2:40 Cheltenham
Katate Dori
Daily Racing
50 EW
@9.00
Lose
-100
British trainers have dominated this race, and I can see several running well, especially Broadway Boy, who has clearly been campaigned for a race of this nature. However, my fancy is Katate Dori from Sam Thomas, who has had a great season and is an excellent target trainer. This is a typical horse that has improved significantly for a fence and has been climbing the ranks with easy successes at Exeter and Chepstow before showing great determination to finish second in the Somerset National at Wincanton, a race that did not suit. He produced a career-best performance when scoring by 15 lengths on the bridle in such a competitive race as the Ladbrokes at Kempton last time out, travelling smoothly and taking control unchallenged. The performance did not go unnoticed, and the handicapper had his say, but on figures, he is still well in under a penalty and shapes like a real stayer who should relish this test of stamina. He makes strong appeal, entering the contest at the lower end of the weights, carrying 10-13 plus Dylan Johnston’s valuable 3lb claim. With several bookies offering six places, he is my each-way hope at double-digit odds.
1 member found this comment useful
14:00 2:00 Cheltenham
Majborough
Daily Racing
300 WIN
@1.57
Lose
-300
The field has been reduced to only five runners in this renewal of the Arkle, with Majborough clear on official ratings and looking tough to beat. Last year’s Triumph winner was sent straight over fences this season given his size and scope, and he is two from two, including an excellent success in Grade 1 company last time out at Leopardstown. Despite jumping novicey on a couple of occasions, he showed a big engine in the closing stages, winning easily by a wide margin. Dan Skelton campaigned L'Eau du Sud to perfection for this event, and given his course form, I thought he had an excellent chance to go close. However, his last run at Warwick wasn’t promising, while Jango Baie might find this trip too short. It’s interesting that Gavin Cromwell runs Only By Night here instead of in the Mares' Chase, but perhaps the potential small-field event convinced him to do so. She is improving and has strong form against her own sex but has plenty to find on official ratings. This looks like a race at Majborough’s mercy, and with a clear round of jumping, he will be very hard to beat on current form.
2 members found this comment useful
13:20 1:20 Cheltenham
Kopek Des Bordes
Daily Racing
200 WINNOTENon runners at 10.0 or more so no R4 deduction
@2.00
Win
200
The Supreme has been named in memory of Michael O'Sullivan, who had become an increasingly important partner of the Mullins yard in recent years. The master of Closutton has a great record in this race and, as usual, runs several contenders, but Kopek Des Bordes is clearly the one who has shown the most talent. A clear-cut winner in a Fairyhouse bumper, he did well to win his maiden over hurdles at Leopardstown despite jumping poorly, beating a strong subsequent winner in Kawaboomga. He took his form to another level last time out, scoring at Grade1 level and displaying an improved jumping technique. Keen behind the leaders, he worked his way into a challenging position and, despite being hampered by a loose horse, drew clear from his competition in the manner of a very good one. I also want to mention with an each-way chance Workahead??"he already looked the finished article when winning at Leopardstown in December for a trainer who won this race last year. William Munny, second that day, progressed into a Listed winner next time out, wearing the same colours as Marine Nationale when he triumphed in this very race with young Michael O'Sullivan on board.
2 members found this comment useful
Subtotal124
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