Hi all,
Saturday’s ITV racing action comes from Cheltenham and Doncaster, with Trials Day and the Great Yorkshire Chase taking centre stage.
Cheltenham hosts its final meeting before the Festival, and the sense of anticipation for March is building. It’s an eight-race card, headlined by the clash between Sir Gino and The New Lion in the Unibet International Hurdle (3:00).
The Virgin Bet Great Yorkshire Chase (2:05) is the big handicap of the weekend. I covered the race in Wednesday’s column and flagged Dartmoor Pirate earlier in the week. He’s now much shorter in the market, though a deep slog in the mud would be a slight concern.
The Great Yorkshire Chase is one of three races shown live on ITV Racing from Doncaster and, sacrilege or not, Town Moor offers for me the better betting opportunities.
Inside today’s main piece, I take a closer look at the final six races on Cheltenham Trials Day.
Cheltenham – Trials Day
There are several short-priced favourites on the card that are hard to oppose. Even so, it promises to be an informative afternoon.
1:15 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – 2m4½f
Jagwar’s jumping was rusty on his seasonal return over C&D on New Year’s Day. Those errors cost him late on and he had to settle for third, beaten 1¾ lengths. He’ll need to sharpen up, but there’s a decent pot in him this season. A more positive ride would help, as being held up in a steadily run race didn’t suit last time. Likely at the head of his mark and the one to beat.
Moon d’Orange made Sean Bowen earn his fee when winning this race last year from 1lb lower. His fifth over C&D on New Year’s Day was a step in the right direction, and a return to soft ground is a plus.
Uncle Bert won on his return at Aintree two starts back over this trip before failing to stay in the Welsh Grand National. Better is expected back down in distance, and he has each-way claims if his jumping holds up.
1:50 – Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase – 3m5½f
J’Arrive De L’Est was a 4¼-length runner-up to Final Orders over C&D last time. He’s 6lb better off with the winner, and the cheekpieces he wore in France return. From a handicapping perspective, he should reverse the form, which is reflected in the betting.
Final Orders is 9lb higher now, but his winning margin last time didn’t fully reflect his superiority. His jumping was excellent and he’s clearly well suited to this discipline and course. With Gavin Cromwell’s yard back among the winners, he can defy the rise.
Iceo Madrik finished third in that race and is also better off at the weights with the winner. However, his jumping wasn’t as accurate as the first two, and he remains inconsistent.
2:25 – Betfair Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) – 3m1½f
Grey Dawning made a winning return in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock. A sound jumper, he needs to win here to cement his Gold Cup credentials. Even under a Grade 1 penalty, he should be too strong given doubts about his three rivals.
L’Homme Presse won this race last year and wasn’t disgraced when runner-up under top weight in a handicap here on his return. This track suits him and he gets his ground, but the Venetia Williams stable form remains a concern.
Spillane’s Tower has had two quiet runs over hurdles this season. He lost his way over fences after a cracking second to Fact File in last season’s Grade 1 John Durkan. A dual Grade 1 novice chase winner two season’s back, he gets his favoured underfoot conditions and receives a handy 6lb from Grey Dawning and L’Homme Presse
Flooring Porter loves this track and could get his own way in front. However, he hasn’t been seen since winning the Kerry National in September 2024. He’s gone well fresh before, but this long absence raises questions about how much ability he’s retained.
3:00 – Unibet Hurdle (Registered As The International Hurdle) (Grade 2) – 2m1f
Sir Gino returned with a win in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton 29 days ago. He gives 3lb to The New Lion but should have too much speed for that one over this trip. Barring accidents, Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope look set to play for minor honours.
3:35 – Pertemps Network Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) – 3m
Impose Toi beat Strong Leader by 1¼ lengths in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Strong Leader is better on a flatter track, and it would be a surprise if he reversed the form here. Ma Shantou gets 6lb from both and is a dual Cheltenham handicap winner, but soft ground tempers enthusiasm.
4:10 – AIS Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) – 2m4½f
Not live on ITV but an intriguing contest, nonetheless.
Act Of Innocence won a Newbury maiden on hurdle/stable debut before going down by just ¾ length to Minella Yoga whilst trying to give plenty of weight to that useful 3yo. Capable of better and remains a smart novice hurdle prospect.
Taurus Bay is two from two over hurdles after winning at Aintree last month. The step up in trip 2m4f should suit another smart prospect and he belongs in this company.
Heads Up, runner-up in last season’s Champion Bumper, sets the standard on his second to No Drama This End in a Grade 2 here in November. Back from a short break and open to further improvement with Danny Mullins booked.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John