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TEMPLEGATE looks forward to an exhilarating afternoon of racing, filled with hope for picking some winners just in time for Christmas.
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CHIANTI CLASSICO (1.50 Cheltenham, nap)
This horse has the class needed to give weight after his remarkable comeback win at Ascot last month. He showcased his abilities by winning the Ultima at this year’s Festival and performing admirably in an Aintree Grade 1. His most impressive trait is his outstanding jumping, and trainer Kim Bailey has had an excellent start to the season.
SHAN BLUE (2.25 Cheltenham, nb)
He delivered commendable performances late last season and finished a promising fourth on his return at Bangor last time out. He traveled well for an extended period in challenging ground conditions and should thrive in these potentially better circumstances. He has been a bit inconsistent, but this being his first foray into a veterans’ race might work to his advantage considering his declining mark.
DOYEN QUEST (3.35 Cheltenham, treble)
He won quite comfortably last time, even after crashing through the second-last flight. Harry Skelton hardly had to ask for more before he surged in the final furlong to pull away nicely. The handicapper may have been a bit harsh with a 10lb rise, but he definitely has more to offer, known for his strong staying abilities.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
CHELTENHAM
12.10
THAT’S NICE is poised to utilize the 7lb allowance she receives from the boys and appeared to be a strong contender when winning on debut at Warwick last month.
Nico De Boinville barely needed to ask for more as she clinched a cheeky victory, and she can build on that encouraging start.
Country Mile performed admirably in a Haydock Grade 2 last month, though a mistake at the final flight cost him. This better ground should suit the Skelton runner, who has much more potential.
Wingmen led from the front to win on his hurdles debut at Navan 27 days ago. He had plenty left in the tank and is another who can progress.
Palacio narrowly won his debut from the front at Chepstow, but this race presents a more significant challenge.
12.40
CALDWELL POTTER paid back a small portion of his hefty purchase price with an impressive win on chase debut at Carlisle 12 days ago.
He jumped proficiently and should show significant improvement from that comeback performance. Once a Grade 1 performer over hurdles, he looks hard to beat now.
Jango Baie has also excelled over timber and was unfortunate to finish second in his last race at Aintree. Nicky Henderson is optimistic about his schooling.
Springwell Bay struggled over three miles here last time after impressively winning a Listed event at this distance. He sets the benchmark for others to aim for.
Deafening Silence was not pushed too hard on his chase debut and needs to improve to be competitive.
1.15
VALGRAND will be much happier back at this distance where he started the season with a Grade 2 win on the Old course.
He won that race by 17 lengths but couldn’t compete with potential superstar Potters Charm over 2m5f last time out.
He carries top weight, but his initial mark could be lenient, and decent ground will suit him well.
Willmount appeared to be a promising prospect when winning on hurdles debut at Newbury last year before suffering an injury in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle.
He’s returning from 349 days off, so he may need the run; however, he could be very well treated by the handicapper.
To Chase A Dream has been impressive with back-to-back wins at Carlisle. He comes here with solid prospects under a penalty, and the booking of Harry Cobden is noteworthy.
Tintintin put in a strong performance when finishing fourth in the Greatwood Hurdle here last month. He returns off the same mark and has good place prospects again.
Bo Zenith is an intriguing Nicky Henderson entry after a 610-day absence. His last outing was a close second in an Aintree Grade 1, so he warrants attention even if he needs this return.
Mirabad lost his chance at Ascot last time after hitting the final flight hard and has potential place prospects.
1.50
CHIANTI CLASSICO demonstrates the class needed to tackle the weight after his explosive comeback win at Ascot last month.
He proved his quality by winning the Ultima at this year’s Festival and maintaining his form in an Aintree Grade 1.
His main strengths are his exceptional jumping and trainer Kim Bailey’s impressive start to the season.
King Turgeon was impressive during the Grand Sefton Chase over the National fences at Aintree early last month.
He was slated to contest last week’s Becher Chase but is set to return for a straightforward fence trial at Chepstow, showing his adaptability. He’s expected to perform strongly again.
Java Point finished behind a couple of these runners in an amateur riders’ contest here four weeks ago.
He was narrowly denied up the hill but possesses the stamina required to contend again.
The Newest One finished fourth in that amateurs’ race after leading from the front. He’s gradually climbing the weights yet remains consistent.
Ballygrifincottage suffered a heavy fall here last time and may find the uphill finish challenging.
2.25
SHAN BLUE showed solid finishes towards the end of last season and finished commendably fourth on his return at Bangor last time out.
He managed the challenging ground well and is expected to fare better in these potentially favorable conditions.
Though he can be unpredictable, this is his first venture into a veterans’ race, and it could work in his favor given his falling mark.
Dashel Drasher hasn’t secured a victory over fences since the 2021 Ascot Chase, but performed well on his return at Grade 2 level and will be fitter after that outing.
He’s known for his determination, and his last handicap win was on this mark.
Shakem Up’Arry performs well fresh and exceeded expectations in the Festival Plate during his last visit to Cheltenham. At a reasonable 6lb higher, he remains a horse to watch.
Eldorado Allen showed a respectable performance on his return at Warwick. While he carries a significant weight, he has prior successes here and might compete strongly for trainer Joe Tizzard.
3.00
MISTER COFFEY gets one last chance from me to secure his first victory over fences.
He made a strong return after a nine-month layoff on this cross-country course last time, finishing second while the winner surged ahead.
Now that Nico De Boinville knows he can stay the distance, he can position the Nicky Henderson chaser closer to the front, especially as he’s been reduced in the weights.
Delta Work has an impressive record here and poses a significant threat. He was a bit rusty during his return at Down Royal last month but is expected to show his true potential this time.
With Rob James taking off 7lb, he won’t be carrying top weight.
Stumptown is in fantastic form over the Punchestown cross-country circuit and has plenty of stamina.
Arizona Cardinal needed his comeback at Chepstow and should thrive on this track. He can perform well if his stamina holds. Iceo Madrik arrives from France with a strong chance of a cross-country hat-trick from much lower in the weights.
3.35
DOYEN QUEST delivered a comfortable victory here last time out, even after crashing through the second-last flight.
Harry Skelton barely needed any urging before he powered away in the final furlong.
The handicapper may have slightly overstepped with a 10lb rise, but there’s room for more improvement, as we know he has stamina in abundance.
Gowel Road was second to this pick last time and stands a solid chance of placing again.
He’s 8lb better off at the weights, but it will be tough to turn the tables.
Long Draw has been edging closer, finishing second here last month, marking his fourth consecutive runner-up position.
In-form trainer Olly Murphy is stepping him up in distance today, which may lead to improvement. At just five years old, he still has more to offer.
Might I rediscovered his form with a win at Bangor last month. Soft ground suits him ideally, so any rain would enhance his prospects.
It’s interesting to see Nicky Henderson sending Bhaloo back over hurdles after his successful chase debut at Ascot.
He displayed good form in his only handicap outing, securing a solid second at Warwick in May, and could be well handicapped for each-way players.
High Game Royal was narrowly caught at the line after leading for an extended period at Lingfield last time and appears capable of finishing strong with expected improvements from his in-form trainer.
BANGOR
2.05
SKUNA BAY has shown promise, finishing third on debut at Carlisle last month.
He wasn’t pushed too hard by Brian Hughes and still had something in reserve.
He should demonstrate significant improvement following that experience and is bred for stamina.
Kevin’s Pride was narrowly denied on his hurdling debut at Carlisle, finishing just a neck behind. He showed strength up the hill at the Cumbrian track and should perform strongly in these challenging conditions.
Theatre Tom finished a distant third here on debut but displayed some promise, making him a contender for a place.
Edmond comes from the successful Venetia Williams yard.
She won a bumper back in May 2023 and needed her last outing at Ffos Las last month. More improvement is expected.
2.40
THANKSFORTHEHELP is also entered in the last race at Cheltenham, but this is his primary choice, and he is capable of winning it.
He placed a commendable fourth at Prestbury Park last month, showcasing his stamina over the three-mile distance.
David Pipe’s horse is significantly down the weights; replicating his best performance would suffice.
Plaisir Des Flos is a regular winner who performed admirably when finishing third after being impeded at Cheltenham four weeks back.
This will be his first attempt at three miles, and he’ll have a good chance if he can manage the distance.
Schalke put forth his best performance in a long while when finishing third over course and distance on his return. He favors heavy ground and can find another strong position.
Strackan and Mahland both come off recent victories and should relish these conditions.
Templegate’s tips
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