Racing returns to jumps racing HQ, and we kick off what is set to be a long season full of drama, controversy, and excitement at Cheltenham with the a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle.
Let’s take a brief look at all the runners and rides in what looks set to be a fascinating clash with the top two in the market coming here on the back of contrasting runs last time out.
| Horse | Jockey / Trainer | Strengths | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor Blue | Dylan Johnston / Sam Thomas | Has shown ability on the flat and in NHF / hurdle debut form. If improving in this sphere, could outrun market position. | Might lack experience vs stronger rivals; going might test jumping fluency. |
| Fortune De Mer | Harry Skelton / Dan Skelton | A bumper winner at this track last season. Was given an easy time on season/hurdle debut at Uttoxeter. | Unknown how he will perform when the taps are tuned on. May do his best work on the bridle. |
| Jackson Lamb | A. Harvey / John C McConnell | Confidence will be high coming here on the back of back-to-back wins. | Might be vulnerable to stronger British opposition; the step up in class demands more. |
| Sir Galahad | Olly Murphy / Sean Bowen | Has a decent strike rate coming in here. A winner of four of his six starts over hurdles. | Needs to find a lot more to take home the prize. |
| Un Sens A La Vie | Sam Twiston-Davies /Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies | Won well on hurdles debut, and looks to have a bright future. The one to beat. | Steps up against more experienced rivals. |
| The Last Cloud | Brian Hughes / Patrick Neville | In flying form, and deserves his crack at the prize. | Looks sure to be taken on for the lead. Faces much stronger opposition. |
| Jaminska | Ciaran Gethings / Jane Williams | Ran well behind Jack Hyde and won last time out. She’s not entirely out of it. | Looks exposed, and needs to find a clear career best to win. |
| Paul’s Dream | Danny Mullins / Anthony Mullins | Solid connections, some form, might outrun odds. | Limited top-level form, and will lack the class edge in this field. |
| Run For Mahler | Philip Byrnes / C Byrnes | Has a progressive profile, and her form reads well. Can play a leading role. | Not much experience over hurdle |
| Gower Spirit | Stan Sheppard / Matt Sheppard | There is nothing to recommend. | Has no chance in this lineup. |
| Mr McLoughlan | James Bowen / Jack Jones | Won well last time out when making it back-to-back wins. | Looks up against it on what he has shown so far. |
| Jack Hyde | Jonathan Burke/ Fergal O’Brien | Well fancied for the Persian War last time out, and has shown form that he can be competitive here. | Ran no sort of race in the Persian War, and will need to settle a lot better. |
Oddschecker Novices Hurdle Verdict
A lot has been said about the lack of effort shown on Fortune De Mer when last seen at Uttoexter on hurdles debut, but we should see a much more forward showing from the Skelton runner here.
However, I for one can not trust that he will go through with his effort, and is one I want to take on considering his price, and the fact that he has only recorded one win in five starts.
UN SENS A LA VIE has been the talk of the town since his win on hurdles debut at Market Rasen two weeks ago, and it’s easy to see why. He smacks of a horse that is going to improve hand over fist from that run, and given the way he travels though his races, as well as the way he picks up when asked for his effort, he will prove hard to be hear.
One to keep an eye on at a price is Run For Mahler. She’s a mare that has been showing up well over the summer. She has bumped into some progressive types, and looks to be still on the up. If there is one that can upset the top two, the she can be the one.
