The selection’s fourth in the Welsh National suggests it is only a matter of time before he collects a prize over fencesThe Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, racing’s annual hangover cure after the excesses of Cheltenham, can fall to Prime Venture (3.35), who looks overpriced at 10-1 or thereabouts. He has yet to win over fences but it is surely only a matter of time in light of efforts like his fourth in the Welsh National.A couple of things have gone wrong since then but there is nothing fundamentally wrong with his ability. The fitting of blinkers may help him focus and he is preferred to the Irish raider Se Mo Laoch. Related: Cheltenham Festival bubble brings respite despite disbelief...
Having waited so long for a first success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Willie Mullins is poised to make it two in a row, thanks to last year’s winnerHaving waited so long for a first success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Willie Mullins is poised to make it two in a row, thanks to Al Boum Photo (3.30). The rangy bay ground his way remorselessly to the prize a year ago and something similar will probably be good enough against a list of rivals with questions to answer.For years, Mullins used to joke that he had no idea what makes a Gold Cup winner but the formula he hit on with Al Boum Photo last year, having a quiet prep...
The selection can foil Paisley Park’s bid for a double in Thursday’s highlight at the Cheltenham FestivalPaisley Park seems set to be a hot favourite for a second consecutive success in the Stayers Hurdle, having kept his unbeaten record since then. So punters must ask themselves, is the eight-year-old as solid as Envoi Allen or fallible like Defi Du Seuil?He has looked more straightforward this year but this is his toughest test since last year’s Festival and it is disconcerting to see the strike-rate of Emma Lavelle’s yard has been declining since the heady days of November. With a fascinating cast of characters in opposition, it is very tempting to look elsewhere. Related: J P McManus rues one that got...
Crack Irish raider can put the smile back on Paul Townend’s face after a challenging first day at the Cheltenham FestivalAltior could not make the date but this Queen Mother Champion Chase still features a fascinating clash between two top-class animals. Defi Du Seuil has had an excellent season and his pace makes him a danger in any company but Chacun Pour Soi (3.30) looks enormously talented and can come out on top.That, after all, was what happened when they met at Punchestown last April and there is no clear reason why the form should not stand up. Chacun Pour Soi had four lengths in hand at the line that day, yet Defi Du Seuil ran well enough to dispel...
The absence of a previous winner makes this feel a low-quality contest but the mare can follow up her striking Kempton winThe absence of a previous winner makes this feel like a low-quality Champion Hurdle but, with plenty of youth in the line-up, it would be early to jump to that conclusion. Epatante (3.30) appears on a steep upward curve and can prove it by giving Nicky Henderson his eighth success in the race.Henderson did not seem enthused when it was suggested to him in late November that this mare would be a championship contender. But just a month later she quickened clear of the field in the Christmas Hurdle, which has been the best trial for this. Related: Talking...