12:10- This looks a very warm race to kick start proceedings. Different Gravey could well prove to be exactly that- his debut over Rules was very solid and improvement is to be expected. However, 2/1 in a race of this calibre is short enough. Neil King's stable star Zeroeshadesofgrey is on quite the run at the moment. He hasn't beaten much but he's beat it well. There's no knowing how good he really is, hopefully today's race can give us an insight into his ability. Brother Tedd has clocked up two wins at Kempton for Phillip Hobbs but he is another who faces his stiffest hurdles task to date. THOMAS BROWN is one that certainly appeals at the prices. He appears to need a sound surface, which he should almost certainly be getting. His hurdles runs have been full of promise, the latest of which being a respectful second behind the potentially smart Out Sam. He was giving the winner 8 pounds that day and sloppy jumps at a couple of the obstacles were enough to stop him from winning. He's on level weights to the main players in this field and providing he jumps with more efficiency, he's got a big chance. At the prices, recent Sandown winner AS DE MEE has a squeak, although he'll have to improve on that run.
12:45- THEATRICAL STAR will see out the trip well and could well take the glory in a race where many of the competitors lack either a recent win or decent form. He could well take this en route to a tilt at the Grand National.
1:20- CHAMPAGNE WEST faces a difficult challenge courtesy of Ptit Zig but he's looked a smart prospect over chase fences. His last two successes have come at Prestbury Park and he could well be capable of making it three in a row. Ned Stark could make his presence felt but may prefer softer ground.
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| Champagne West |
1:55- Another chance is taken on CAID DU BERLAIS. Hopefully he can get over his recent poor performance when pulling up here at the water jump (he looked in trouble before that). Slicker jumper and anything close to his Paddy Power performance should see him go mightily close here. Grade 1 placed ROLLING ACES has been knocking on the door a lot recently, he deserves a victory. The talented Sean Bowen takes five pounds off- he's certainly weighted well for it. Here's hoping Paul Nicholls can win the race. Likely threats include Splash of Ginge, Hunt Ball and Tenor Nivernais.
2:30- ULZANA'S RAID has looked as game as they come in his two latest successes over the course and he looks well up to taking this contest. KNIGHT OF NOIR had a tough task off top weight on seasonal reappearance last time out. The proposition looks a lot easier this afternoon.
3:05- This is a fascinating little contest. Vaniteux has the best recent form in the book with his second behind The New One in the International Hurdle. Barry Geraghty chooses him over twice Grade 1 winning Beat That, he will more than likely need this race. 2012 Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby looks more at home back over hurdles whilst Bet365 Hurdle winner Cole Harden has a chance, although it did appear as though he beat two horses at Wetherby that day that really needed the run under a smart front running ride. SILSOL is an unexposed sort at this level and may not prove good enough but he's beaten all before him in his last few races and is worthy of the step up in class.
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| Silsol (foreground) |
3:40- Past winners of this race have all had past experience so even though Camlann and Barneby may well be useful, it could pay to stick with horses that have seen the course before. WISHFULL DREAMING, a half brother to Wishfull Thinking and DANDY DUKE, a solid second on debut, are selected.
Away from Cheltenham, Musselburgh hold an exciting looking card. In their Hogmaneigh Hurdle (2:10), Fred Winter winner at the Festival HAWK HIGH clearly has the best form on offer and is 2 from 2 in handicap hurdles whilst STEPHANIE FRANCES could make her presence felt off bottom weight.
Exeter 2:55- LAST SHADOW won nicely last time out and AP does the steering. EXMOOR MIST won when well fancied and if he can replicate that; leaving his form from last season behind him, he has a chance.
Exeter 4:00- Nicky Henderson's horses always need to be monitored in the bumper sphere so half brother to Don Poli MAD ABOUT THE BOY is chosen. The booking of AP McCoy aboard MIDNIGHT GYPSY looks positive, whilst Bella and Midnight Mint have chances too.
And in Fairyhouse's bumper (3:40) point winner JETSTREAM JACK is the pick.
Have a great New Years Day
Happy Punting!
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