Cheltenham
13:20
ALBERT BARTLETT CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1) 2m1⁄2f
ENERGUMENE (4) maintains a phenomenal record with fences registering eight wins and a second from nine starts. Prepared for this race with a 15L success at Cork last month in which he was heavily eased on the run-in.
Clearly the one to beat. EDWARDSTONE (3) reappeared with a 9L success at Sandown. Unseated rider in latest but brings an outstanding chase record with six wins to his name. Chief danger. EDITEUR DU GITE (2) kept on strongly when a big priced 13L winner at Kempton. Enters calculations. FUNAMBULE SIVOLA (5) might outrun his odds and make the placings third-up.
13:50
CHELTENHAM COUNTDOWN PODCAST HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 4 1/2f
IL RIDOTO (10) produced back-to-back fourth-placed efforts over course and distance. Well-in on figures to provide a bold bid wearing first-time cheekpieces.
FUGITIF (7) delivered three victories tackling fences including when a 5L winner at Chepstow in latest. Well positioned on best form to prove a serious contender.
One to take seriously. YOUR DARLING (13) was a ready 4L penultimate start winner. More than capable of taking this if at best. BRAVE SEASCA (1) maintains good fences form and can make his presence felt. A mouth-watering clash.
14:25
COTSWOLD STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 3m 1 1/2f
A Gold Cup warm up for a few in this field, there will be plenty of pointers ahead of March. PROTEKTORAT (3) jumped with purpose recording an impressive 11L victory when last seen going clear and keeping on strongly. Second-up following wind surgery. Outstanding chance.
NOBLE YEATS (2) bids for a hat-trick on the back of two cosy wins under Sean Bowen who takes the ride again. Clearly going well and enters calculations. AHOY SENOR (4) might be in the mix following three satisfactory runs since returning from a long break. Seasoned campaigner FRODON (1) registered a decent third last time at Kempton and looks one for the placings based on that run.
15:00
THE DAHLBURY STALLIONS AT CHAPEL STUD CLEEVE HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 3m
Fans favourite PAISLEY PARK (2) maintains an outstanding hurdling record winning eight and placing eight times from twenty-five attempts. Recorded a 4L victory at Kempton in latest when keeping on well. The trainer and jockey combination have won this race for the past three years. Big player.
GELINO BELLO (3) was in touch with the leaders on Boxing Day in a fierce contest when falling four from home. Prior to that had won four in a row. Good chance of getting back on track. DASHEL DRASHER (4) reappeared with a small field win at Aintree before back-to-back seconds including at this venue in latest. Rarely misses the frame. Shortlist especially of interest to those who prefer front runners. BOTOX HAS (1) won going away on penultimate start at Haydock and is in the mix.
15:35
THE BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE RACE (CLASS 1) (Registered as the CLASSIC Novices’ Hurdle Race) (Grade 2) (GBB RACE) (CL 1) 2m 4 1/2f
PEMBROKE (8) produced two impressive wins by a combined 23L. Lightly raced and improving with each run can record a hat-trick, whoever finishes in front of him will be in with a huge chance. HENRI THE SECOND (1) reappeared with a second at Chepstow before finishing strongly last time winning at Sandown. On an upward curve and is one to take seriously.
BLENKINSOP (3) managed to win four in a row since returning from a break. Raised in weights however there could still be more to come. Respect. ROCK MY WAY (9) delivered a promising debut over course and distance finishing second. Brings each-way appeal.
