Tipps

Forecast:

0.91 BROOMFIELD BURG (IRE); 3.00 PASO DOBLE (IRE); 5.50 ROBELLI (IRE); 8.00 BLACK POPPY; 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Broomfield Burg is a strong traveller who is likely to be suited by a return to a flatter track following his recent second at Cheltenham earlier in the month. That said, he may prove vulnerable once coming under pressure and PASO DOBLE, a winner at Taunton last time, could be a tough nut to crack. The latest victory was a confidence booster for Paul Nicholls' gelding, who had run with plenty of credit here in handicap company the time before. Robelli finished runner-up on his hurdling debut at Warwick and is capable of being in the mix.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - PASO DOBLE (IRE)	4-5fav (11-5) Made all, pressed before 2 out, ridden out after last, stayed on strongly, always in command, readily, won at Taunton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd beating Mister Marbles (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran
2 - BROOMFIELD BURG (IRE)	5-2fav (11-4) Close 5th on inside, 2nd going well between last two, almost upsides when hit last, hung left and stayed on under pressure run-in, outbattled and always held, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Lively Citizen (9-7) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcap hdle (3) gs
3 - CORRIGEEN ROCK (IRE)	16-5 (11-4) Keen tracked leader until ridden approaching 3 out, weakened last, 6th of 12, 21l behind Famous Bridge (10-12) at Ayr 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov
4 - BLACK POPPY	5-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outer early, headway and tracked leader after 3rd, outpaced well over 2 out, ran on same pace, 4th of 11, 12l behind Balco Coastal (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd
5 - HIGHSTAKESPLAYER (IRE)	9-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden and weakened 4 out, tailed off, 8th of 16, well behind Stag Horn (10-12) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gd
6 - ROBELLI (IRE)	17-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Hartur D'oudairies (10-12) at Warwick 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Nov

Tipps

Forecast:

2.75 BOTHWELL BRIDGE (IRE); 3.50 DANNY KIRWAN (IRE); 4.50 MISTER COFFEY (FR); 8.00 KILLER KANE (IRE); SEBASTOPOL (IRE); YOUR DARLING (IRE); 10.00 ICONIC MUDDLE; 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

BOTHWELL BRIDGE appears to have improved for going over fences based on his victory at Sandown on his chasing bow at the start of the month. The handicapper raised him 5lb for that effort and he appears capable of taking a step forward from that display. His stable companion Mister Coffey is open to improvement following his third at Newbury last month, with the step back up in trip likely to suit. Danny Kirwan, who filled the runner-up spot on his first attempt over the larger obstacles at Cheltenham, and Sebastopol, who fell when in control of proceedings here last month, complete the shortlist.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - SEBASTOPOL (IRE)	13-8fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out, led approaching last and looked in command when fell heavily, in a race won by Rockstar Ronnie (11-8) at Kempton 2m 2f nov chs (3) gd in Nov, 3 ran
2 - MISTER COFFEY (FR)	5-4fav (11-7) Pressed leader, led before 4th, headed 4 out, 3rd from 2 out, no impression flat, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Not Available (10-10) at Newbury 2m nov Limited hcap ch (3) gs in Nov
3 - BOTHWELL BRIDGE (IRE)	11-4fav (11-7) Mostly jumped well, tracked leader, led 5th until after next, chased leaders, bit awkward 11th (water), went 2nd 2 out, ridden between last two, challenged last, led run-in, stayed on well, won at Sandown 2m 4f nov Limited hcap ch (3) gd beating Mahler's Promise (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran
4 - DANNY KIRWAN (IRE)	5-1 (10-11) Jumped right, led, reached at 3rd, headed 11th, mistake 3 out, every chance 2 out, hung right after last, held by winner, kept on, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Annual Invictus (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hcap ch (3) gd in Oct
5 - JACAMAR (GER)	4-1 (11-4) In rear, not fluent 6th and 9th, rapid headway 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed when mistake last, rallied gamely run-in but could not reach winner, 2nd of 5, hd behind Our Power (11-5) at Wincanton 2m 4f nov hcap ch (3) gd
6 - ICONIC MUDDLE	7-4fav (12-0) Chased leader, not fluent 2nd, joined leader after 3 out, led before 2 out, ridden and hung right approaching last, ran on flat, won at Huntingdon 2m nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gd in May beating Siannes Star (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran
7 - YOUR DARLING (IRE)	4-1fav (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 9th, shaken up after 3 out, ridden and weakened after 2 out, 5th of 9, 15l behind Linelee King (10-11) at Aintree 2m 4f nov Limited hcap ch (3) gs in Nov
8 - KILLER KANE (IRE)	10-11fav (11-8) Raced prominently, ridden before 4 out, stayed on one pace, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Casa Tall (11-0) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Nov

Tipps

Forecast:

0.80 BRAVEMANSGAME (FR); 1.25 AHOY SENOR (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

A terrific match on paper between BRAVEMANSGAME and Ahoy Senor, with the former taken to come out on top. The pair met in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree where the latter was a surprise winner having only raced once prior to that over hurdles, but the former had faced a hard race at Cheltenham, when third to Bob Olinger in the Ballymore, and the switch to chasing has seen him improve, having jumped supremely well on both efforts against seasoned rivals at Newton Abbot and Haydock. Connections have talked him up as a potential King George horse next season and the return to 3m may yield further improvement. Ahoy Senor unseated his rider in the Colin Parker Memorial on his chase debut at Carlisle but he clearly wasn't fazed by that when routing the opposition in a Grade 2 at Newbury last month. His jumping, though, appeared to be more of a work in progress than the selection, but Lucinda Russell's stable star remains a top prospect and the rain that is due will aid his cause. Kiltealy Briggs won last time at Haydock and is preferred over Tea Clipper, who was bitterly disappointing at Newbury last time.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - AHOY SENOR (IRE)	5-2 (11-3) Made all, not fluent 5th, awkward 8th (water), good jump and drew clear from 4 out, shaken up run-in, impressive, won at Newbury 2m 7f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov beating Mr Incredible (11-3) by 31l, 4 ran
2 - BRAVEMANSGAME (FR)	8-13fav (11-5) Made all, jumped well, pressed after 5 out, in command from 3 out, not extended, impressive, won at Haydock 2m 6f grad ch (2) gs in Nov beating Itchy Feet (11-9) by 2 3/4l, 4 ran
3 - KILTEALY BRIGGS (IRE)	6-4fav (11-2) Made all, switched right before 2 out, driven and edged left flat, all out, won at Haydock 2m 6f nov chs (2) hvy beating Mint Condition (11-2) by nk, 4 ran
4 - TEA CLIPPER (IRE)	10-3 (11-7) Chased leaders, not fluent and pushed along 7th, went 2nd 9th, mistake next, dropped to last 11th, well beaten from 5 out, left 3rd 4 out, left distant 2nd 2 out, 2nd of 4, 30l behind Nassalam (10-7) at Newbury 2m 4f nov chs Grade 2 (1) gs in Nov

Tipps

Forecast:

0.73 EPATANTE (FR); 3.50 NOT SO SLEEPY; 5.00 TRITONIC; 7.00 SOARING GLORY (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

An intriguing rematch awaits between the top two from the Fighting Fifth last month, Not So Sleepy and EPATANTE, with preference for the 2019 winner. Things haven't exactly gone to plan for the seven-year-old since her impressive success in the 2020 Champion Hurdle, but the way she travelled into the contest at Newcastle suggested that the raw ability still remains and she can put things right here with Nico de Boinville taking over in the saddle for the first time. It may well be that last week's stylish Betfair Exchange Trophy winner Tritonic poses the biggest threat, now that connections are well aware of his prowess going right-handed, as well as winning over C&D back in February.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - GLORY AND FORTUNE (IRE)	13-2 (11-6) Towards rear, headway into 6th before 3 out, ridden after 3 out, kept on but not pace to challenge, 4th of 11, 15l behind Earlofthecotswolds (10-13) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Nov
2 - NOT SO SLEEPY	18-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd, led 4 out, headed before 3 out, led and hit 2 out, not fluent and headed last, rallied flat, joined leader post, won at Newcastle 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Nov deadheating with Epatante (11-0), 6 ran
3 - SOARING GLORY (IRE)	5-6fav (11-10) Held up in last, in touch, not fluent 4th and 2 out, soon ridden, not pace to challenge, last of 4, 5l behind Onemorefortheroad (10-8) at Newbury 2m Lstd hcp hdl 0-155 (1) gs in Nov
4 - TRITONIC	8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway to chase front group after 3 out, pressed leaders before 2 out, ridden and led narrowly before last, driven out and stayed on strongly, won at Ascot 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gs beating Onemorefortheroad (10-9) by 2 3/4l, 12 ran
5 - EPATANTE (FR)	11-8fav (11-0) Held up, closed 4th, not much room and switched right before 2 out, led last, ridden flat, joined post, won at Newcastle 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Nov deadheating with Not So Sleepy (11-7), 6 ran

Tipps

Forecast:

2.75 CLAN DES OBEAUX (FR); 3.00 MINELLA INDO (IRE); 5.00 CHANTRY HOUSE (IRE); FRODON (FR); 6.00 ASTERION FORLONGE (FR); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Not since 2005 has there been an Irish winner of the Christmas highlight but this year's Gold Cup winner Minella Indo must hold every chance. Expected to come on for his reappearance run at Down Royal behind the reopposing Frodon, the eight-year-old is likely to give a bold sight, though, he usually saves his best for Cheltenham and his record going right-handed does not inspire confidence. Two-time winner Clan Des Obeaux was a revelation late last season, but he struggled in this last year and his record fresh is nothing to write home about, while Frodon looks to have one way of going and he may not be allowed to dictate as he was last year. That leaves us with the unexposed CHANTRY HOUSE, who has barely put a foot wrong over fences thus far, is proven over the trip and as a Marsh Chase winner, looks to have the relevant gears for this test.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - ASTERION FORLONGE (FR)	6-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, disputed 2nd halfway, pressed leader 4 out, disputed before next where bad mistake and unseated rider, in a race won by Allaho (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f chs G1 (1), 10 ran
2 - CHANTRY HOUSE (IRE)	2-7fav (11-8) Made all from sole rival, jumped well, drew clear after 3 out, easily, won at Sandown 3m List ch (1) gs in Nov beating The Big Breakaway (11-2) by 37l, 2 ran
3 - CLAN DES OBEAUX (FR)	10-3 (11-12) Close up and disputed, led 7th, slight mistake 6 out, pressed 3 out, soon ridden, joined entering straight, led 2 out, kept on well under pressure from before last, won at Punchestown 3m chs G1 (1) in Apr beating Al Boum Photo (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran
4 - FRODON (FR)	3-1 (11-12) Led, not fluent 7th, pressed before 2 out, soon pushed along and joined, ridden and regained lead run-in, kept on best close home, won at Down Royal 3m chs G1 (1) sft in Oct beating Galvin (11-12) by 3/4l, 5 ran
5 - LOSTINTRANSLATION (IRE)	4-1 (11-2) Mid-division, steady headway 2 out, led before last, kept on run in, won at Ascot 2m 5f Grade 2 chs (4yo+) (1) gd in Nov beating Master Tommytucker (11-8) by 4l, 6 ran
6 - MINELLA INDO (IRE)	5-4fav (11-12) Chased leader in 2nd, pushed along before 2 out and challenged on inner, soon ridden and dropped to 3rd, no impression before last and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Frodon (11-12) at Down Royal 3m chs G1 (1) sft in Oct
7 - MISTER FISHER (IRE)	15-8 (11-6) Raced keenly tracking winner, settled 3rd at 8th, 2nd again on inside travelling well before 2 out, led narrowly last, hard ridden and edged left run-in, headed and outbattled towards finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Frodon (11-6) at Sandown 2m 7f chs G2 (1) gd in Apr
8 - SAINT CALVADOS (FR)	11-2 (11-0) Waited with in rear, blundered and unseated rider 17th, in a race won by Native River (11-6) at Sandown 3m chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb, 6 ran
9 - TORNADO FLYER (IRE)	18-1 (11-12) Held up, pecked 1st, ridden in 8th 4 out, under pressure in 7th entering straight, stayed on run-in, 5th of 10, 8l behind Allaho (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f chs G1 (1)

Tipps

Forecast:

3.50 HEROSS DU SEUIL (FR); 4.50 MARIE'S ROCK (IRE); 5.00 EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS (FR); OUR SURPRISE (IRE); 5.50 AN TAILLIUR (FR); 10.00 ECCO; 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS has been a revelation of late and he may not be done winning just yet after comfortable victories at both Wetherby and Newbury. Raised 5lb for his most recent success, where he had subsequent Ascot Silver Cup winner Annsam behind, the son of Axxos only ever seems to do enough and Zac Baker's 3lb claim is another plus. Things haven't gone to plan for Heross Du Seuil since winning here last Christmas, but better can be expected up in trip, while stablemate Marie's Rock has the form to go close. Last year's second Ecco and An Tailliur complete the shortlist.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS (FR)	14-1 (10-13) Tracked front rank, went 2nd and going well 3 out, pressed leader before 2 out, led last, ridden out run-in and strongly pressed, stayed on well, always doing enough, won at Newbury 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Nov beating Masters Legacy (10-13) by 1l, 11 ran
2 - MARIE'S ROCK (IRE)	28-1 (11-0) Towards rear of mid-division out wide, stayed on run-in, never going pace to get involved, 7th of 19, 11l behind West Cork (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gd in Nov
3 - ECCO	10-3fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 8, 15l behind Herbiers (11-3) at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Nov
4 - AN TAILLIUR (FR)	9-2 (11-12) In touch in rear, headway 2 out, ridden and every chance next, ridden to lead run in, ran on, won at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov beating Dargiannini (11-10) by nk, 7 ran
5 - COMMANCHE RED (IRE)	10-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, disputed lead after 8th, ridden and headed before 2 out, kept on one pace flat, 3rd of 11, 8l behind Champagne Well (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcap hdle (3) gs in Nov
6 - HEROSS DU SEUIL (FR)	11-10fav (10-7) Held up behind leader, nudged before 4 out, ridden in 2nd turning for home, lost ground on leader before 2 out, beaten when untidy last, kept on, 2nd of 4, 16l behind Amarillo Sky (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in May
7 - OUR SURPRISE (IRE)	3-1fav (10-0) Chased leaders, pushed along home turn, hit 2 out, ridden and one pace after last, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Tommy's Oscar (11-1) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gd in Nov
8 - ON TO VICTORY	11-4fav (11-8) Raced in mid-division, ridden 3 out, stayed on one pace, 4th of 9, 17l behind The Widdow Maker (11-12) at Wincanton 1m 7f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd
9 - HYDROPLANE (IRE)	8-1 (11-2) Towards rear, ridden 4 out, weakened 2 out, pulled up approaching last, in a race won by Ingleby Hollow (11-0) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs in Nov, 7 ran
10 - ALBERT VAN ORNUM (FR)	10-3fav (11-12) Held up, reminder after 5th, weakened quickly after 7th and soon pulled up, in a race won by William Philo (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (5) sft, 11 ran