CHELTENHAM

Race 2 No2 MAESTRO CONTI
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton

Juvenile hurdles are not normally my bag, but anyone happy to support a short priced favourite should look at MAESTRO CONTI as a betting proposition in the colours of Sir Alex Ferguson. He was most impressive on Rules debut at Kempton at Christmas to remain unbeaten, having easily landed his sole outing in France for a different trainer. This is a warm heat, with MINELLA YOGA also greatly respected, but the selection can show that he’s a serious contender for the Triumph Hurdle itself by taking the spoils.

Race 3 No2 JAGWAR (Nap)
Trainer: Oliver Greenall – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill

JAGWAR might have got a lot closer in the December Gold Cup here had he not shown a tendency to jump left. The trait also affected him in The Plate at last year’s Festival, but he’s so talented that it didn’t stop him landing some big on course bets. Greenall is giving him a softly, softly campaign to target the major Festivals later on, and if winning this decisively the Ryanair Chase could well be on his agenda.

Race 4 No6 ICEO MADRIK (Each Way)
Trainer: David Cottin – Jockey: Leo-Paul Brechet

Cottin fires a twin attack at this cross-country race with ICEO MADRIK just preferred to PLACENET. The selection exited at the third on a first visit to Prestbury Park in December 2024 but fared a lot better when third to FINAL ORDERS in the same contest last month. A multiple scorer over fences in France, he should have learned from that experience, giving him more than a sporting chance of turning the tables.

Race 7 PERTEMPS NETWORK CLEEVE HURDLE (Grade 2)

No2 IMPOSE TOI
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville

If IMPOSE TOI maintains his excellent run of form with a fourth victory on the bounce in this Grade 2 then he must be respected as a leading candidate for the Stayers’ crown back here in March. There’s been a ‘no nonsense’ attitude from the eight-year-old this season that should again stand him in good stead in this clash with STRONG LEADER and MA SHANTOU. The Newbury Long Distance Hurdle and Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot winner is very hard to look away from.

DONCASTER

Race 2 VIRGIN BET DAILY EXTRA PLACES RIVER DON NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 2)

No9 ROCKING MAN (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston

Clues for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham should abound from this excellent race in which ROCKING MAN is a bet I’m looking forward to. The seven-year-old beat CARLENRIG on his Chepstow reappearance and that form was boosted when the second scored at Cheltenham. I see no reason why the placings should be reversed as my Nap is in tip top order and will love this galloping track and the testing conditions.

Race 4 VIRGIN BET GREAT YORKSHIRE HANDICAP CHASE

No6 GRAND GESTE
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Danny McMenamin

This historic race isn’t what it was in terms of quality, but front runner GRAND GESTE is exciting, and could be very good. He jumped his rivals silly to take out the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock and showed that day how much he loves getting his feet into the ground. Cutting back on the distance ladder shouldn’t faze him, and while a 12lb hike in the weights asks a question I’m confident he can answer it in the affirmative.

Race 6 No8 MILAN TINO
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke

Former useful juvenile hurdler MILAN TINO a has thrived under the tutelage of Tom George and looks very tempting getting weight from his opponents in this two miles handicap chase. Though 1lb wrong in the weights, it really shouldn’t make any difference should he turn up in the same form as when coming from off the pace to score at Ludlow. That was only his third outing over fences, and he could have plenty more to offer in the colours of JP McManus.

UTTOXETER

Race 2 No6 KINGDOM OF STARS (Each Way)
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Tom Cannon

KINGDOM OF STARS signed off with a good earning run on a final start for his previous trainer and now makes his Rules introduction for a stable that has done well with horses of his ilk. This is an open affair, and he’s certainly worth a market check.

Race 6 No1 HILLCREST (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Stan Sheppard

Although he is risky, HILLCREST would give short shrift to this field if anywhere near his best. The veteran has underwhelmed on both outings this season to appear a shadow of the horse who looked a Gold Cup prospect before injury got in the way. The giant is equipped with a first time visor, which could reignite his engine.

LINGFIELD PARK

Race 5 No8 VOIX DE BOCELLI (Each away)
Trainer: Henrietta Knight – Jockey: Donagh Murphy

Dual purpose horse VOIX DE BOCELLI was a 25-1 no hoper when third at Kempton earlier in the month, a run that inspires confidence he can post another podium finish as the only bet on an underwhelming card.

NEWCASTLE

Race 2 No2 BISHOP’S GLORY (Nap)
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Alistair Rawlinson

BISHOP’S GLORY was compromised by racing round a bend at Chelmsford last week and found himself with too much to do. He’s back on a straight 1000 metres this evening, and by opening his account for the year can show how unlucky he was.

Race 3 No5 SEE THAT SPARK
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Jason Hart

Although he’s had a few chances it should be worth sticking with SEE THAT SPARK. It was over 1000 metres that he finished second on handicap bow here but he races as though 1400 metres is going to prove his optimum trip. He can down odds-on Million Gold to post a minor upset.