At The Races

Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

The panel kicked off with Old Park Star at the head of the market, and Ben Pauling questioned whether he has the tactical speed for a strongly-run Supreme, suggesting he looks more of a galloper who may appreciate further in time.

Ben was keen on Al Cyros, praising his electric pace despite sketchy jumping late in races, and also highlighted Sober Glory (if the ground is soft) and Idaho Sun as lively British contenders.

Sean Boyce strongly defended Talk The Talk, arguing his DRF win was better than it looked given how the race unfolded, while Matt Chapman sided with Old Park Star, stressing Nicky Henderson’s record in the race and his class edge. Kevin Blake respected Old Park Star but felt his price was too short in a race with depth and warned that a late Willie Mullins switcher could yet shake things up.

Arkle

The Arkle debate centred on Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes. Ben Pauling described Lulamba as hugely talented but still learning, while Kevin Blake loved the Newbury prep run, saying Lulamba improved through the race and learned plenty in tough circumstances.

Kevin, however, expressed concerns about Kopek Des Bordes’ slightly chaotic jumping style despite his brilliance. Matt Chapman argued Lulamba simply has more class than Romeo Coolio, though he remains loyal to his ante-post 20/1 ticket on the latter.

The panel agreed Romeo Coolio would almost certainly line up here, with the Arkle seen as the right race if he runs at all.

Champion Hurdle

Constitution Hill dominated discussion. Kevin Blake was adamant he couldn’t back him at short odds given three falls in his last four starts, questioning whether a mental or physical block has crept into his hurdling. Matt Chapman countered that if he runs, the emotion of the occasion could see him go off odds-on, arguing the public will will him to win.

If Constitution Hill doesn’t line up, the debate shifts to Lossiemouth, Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion. Kevin suggested Lossiemouth could realistically target this if it cuts up, while Ben Pauling reminded viewers not to overlook Golden Ace’s Cheltenham record at a bigger price. Matt floated Peros as an outsider capable of outrunning odds if the race thins out.

Turners Novices’ Hurdle

Ben Pauling revealed Taurus Bay remains a possible runner but admitted he left Cheltenham flat and will only run if fully right. He was visibly excited about Mandu Boy, describing him as a horse with serious potential who may yet develop into a top novice chaser.

Kevin Blake warned against underestimating Irish depth, naming Koktail Divin as an interesting double-figure price alternative, while Matt Chapman praised No Drama This End’s Sandown display and felt the crowd would roar him home. The consensus was that British runners look promising but must withstand Irish firepower.

Queen Mother Champion Chase

Majborough’s redemption at the DRF split opinion. Kevin Blake argued he is at his best when ridden aggressively and not asked to think too much, saying his jumping improves when allowed to bowl along. Matt Chapman remained wary, suggesting Cheltenham’s undulations test rhythm jumpers more severely.

Ben Pauling felt the race could be set up by a strong pace from Il Est Francais, potentially allowing Majborough to sit and pounce. Marine Nationale divided views: Matt believes he could capitalise if Majborough makes mistakes, while Kevin stuck with Majborough’s class as the defining factor.

Champion Bumper

Kevin Blake admitted he has little love for the race, joking it could be removed without tears in his house. He noted Willie Mullins’ dominance makes it notoriously difficult to solve.

Ben Pauling felt British hopes like Base Hunter would need to improve markedly, while the panel agreed Patrick Mullins’ choice of mount often provides the strongest clue. No firm consensus emerged, underlining the race’s unpredictability.

Stayers’ Hurdle

Matt Chapman reaffirmed his long-standing loyalty to Teahupoo, arguing his proven class and previous win make him the one to beat despite being beaten in the race before. Kevin Blake was prepared to forgive Impaire Et Passe’s latest defeat, believing a strongly-run Stayers’ with patient tactics could unlock his best.

Ben Pauling felt Teahupoo looks better than ever this season and remains the benchmark, while Bob Olinger and Home By The Lee were acknowledged as solid but perhaps vulnerable to younger legs.

Ryanair Chase

Uncertainty over runners defined the discussion. Ben Pauling said if Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior both head to the Gold Cup, the Ryanair could cut up dramatically, increasing the appeal of outsiders. He confirmed Handstands could run here if conditions align, insisting wind surgery has revitalised him. Matt Chapman argued Jonbon at 6/1 (non-runner no bet) would be very interesting if rerouted here over a more suitable trip. Kevin Blake maintained that race plans remain too fluid to be dogmatic.

Triumph Hurdle

With Nurburgring out, Kevin Blake leaned towards Mondo Man, impressed by his tactical ride and finish at Cheltenham on Trials Day. Ben Pauling highlighted Manella Study’s unbeaten profile and suggested he’d be much shorter in the betting if trained by a bigger yard. Matt Chapman agreed the race is wide open, and the absence of a standout favourite makes it ripe for a British surprise.

Albert Bartlett

The panel described it as a race where prices often pay. Ben Pauling mentioned Kikiua as a lively longshot if getting into rhythm, while Kevin Blake questioned whether Dr Steinberg truly fits the gruelling Albert Bartlett mould despite his class.

Matt Chapman liked The Devil You Know as a proven stayer at a bigger price. All agreed stamina and toughness outweigh flashy form in this contest.

Gold Cup

Ben Pauling confirmed The Jukebox Man is thriving and declared him his stable’s best chance of the week, believing the stronger Cheltenham test will suit him better than Kempton.

Matt Chapman felt Django Bay may have had the worst trip in the King George and warned against dismissing Galopin Des Champs at double-figure odds. Kevin Blake found the King George form difficult to interpret, suggesting Cheltenham’s greater stamina test could reshuffle the pecking order and even floated Fact To File as a fascinating potential supplement. The general view: an open, high-class renewal where multiple runners have credible claims.

Mares’ Chase

Ben Pauling reported Diva Luna in excellent order after a minor setback, stressing she will only run if fully ready and believing she has progressed markedly from last year. Dino Blue was acknowledged as the standard-setter, but Ben insisted Diva Luna could close the gap if conditions suit.

Handicap Mentions

Kevin Blake put forward Levita Adiva at a big price in the Pertemps, arguing a strongly-run race would suit her hold-up style. Matt Chapman nominated Jubilee Alpha in the County Hurdle, believing the drop back to two miles could unlock improvement, and also mentioned Jango Blue as a Coral Cup contender. Ben Pauling flagged Joseph O’Brien’s trio in the Fred Winter — particularly Kizlar — as well-handicapped and carefully targeted.