Horse Racing Insights: “Soars Over Hurdles and Can’t Be Stopped” – Templegate’s Top 2-1 Pick for Cheltenham

TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for an exciting Saturday of racing, looking to enhance the bankroll as the festive season approaches.

Back a horse by selecting their odds.

SKYJACK HIJACK (3.00 Cheltenham, nap)

This horse has become a treasure for owners, clinching an impressive sixth consecutive victory at Newcastle last time. He glides over his hurdles effortlessly and is tough to catch when he’s in front. Despite facing his toughest challenge yet, his excellent times suggest he’s more than capable at this level. He copes well with all ground types and displays no issues with stamina.

MADARA (1.50 Cheltenham, nb)

This horse caught the spotlight with a notable debut for the Skelton team in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month. Although he fell behind significantly three hurdles out, he rallied strongly to finish fourth. With skilled rider Harry Skelton on board today, and knowing his stamina, we anticipate he will race closer to the front.

AMBIENTE AMIGO (12.10 Cheltenham, treble)

She faced setbacks finishing third at Newbury last time, but with Harry Cobden now in the saddle, she is expected to perform better on her third outing over hurdles. Having shown quality on the Flat, she had plenty left in the tank when winning her hurdles debut at Newcastle. There is still potential for improvement from James Owen’s filly, who receives valuable weight from her male competitors.

Templegate’s TV predictions

CHELTENHAM SAT

12.10

AMBIENTE AMIGO faced challenges last time but should find her rhythm today with Harry Cobden on board for this third hurdle attempt.

She previously showed promise on the Flat and performed admirably in her hurdles debut at Newcastle.

There’s ample room for improvement from James Owen’s filly, who will be receiving weight from the boys.

The stable also fields Lavender Hill Mob, who was beaten at 2-7 on debut at Newcastle and is expected to progress.

Total Look is another potential contender following his debut win at Navan last month. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has a strong Cheltenham record and this horse comes from a notable hurdling lineage.

Quantock Hills, a prior winner in France, has thrived under Warren Greatrex, demonstrating solid performance with a seven-length victory at Fontwell last time, earning this opportunity at heightened competition.

Teriferma, previously with Joseph O’Brien, has two hurdle wins and showed improvement, though he faces tougher opponents here.

Moutarde gained confidence from a comfortable win at Kempton but now faces a stronger field today.

12.40

TRANSMISSION secured an impressive victory over the same course and distance last time.

This marked only his second run over fences in the UK, and the handicapper has assigned a reasonable 3lb rise, leaving room for further improvement.

Peaky Boy debuted with victory here over 2m4f and climbed the hill impressive, making this longer trip suitable.

Nicky Henderson’s entry jumped excellently and is poised to continue improving despite a 7lb increase in weights.

Haiti Couleurs won effortlessly at Aintree last time, showcasing his stamina over an extended three miles, and should handle the Cheltenham course well based on his debut experience. He has solid place prospects at a minimum.

Destroytheevidence previously defeated Haiti Couleurs in Wales and ran well in second at Newbury latest, making him another contender in this competitive race.

Isaac Des Obeaux has solid Graded competition experience previously and may require additional exposure following a return run at Chepstow. He certainly will need to step up to be competitive.

1.13

COCO MADEMOISELLE has found success over hurdles but has always appeared more suited to chasing, coming close on her debut at Worcester.

She was narrowly beaten after the last over the 2m7f distance, so the slight distance reduction is expected to work in her favor. Significant improvement is likely, and she is well-rated based on her prior hurdle performances.

Malaita recorded a win in her last visit to Cheltenham and was close in her recent outing at Carlisle; she delivers well at this distance, presenting good value at current odds.

Theonewedreamof was last seen on the Flat but clinched victory on his most recent chase outing at Tipperary in July. Currently well-priced, he could offer a delightful surprise for clever trainer Gavin Cromwell.

Realisation nearly triumphed at Lingfield last time but stumbled at the final fence. Staying power should afford her an each-way opportunity.

Harry Cobden rides Game On For Glory, who ended last season with a solid second at Cheltenham. After needing her comeback at Market Rasen, she also possesses the talent to rank high.

1.50

MADARA stood out as he debuted under the Skeltons during the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month.

He was trailing significantly three hurdles out, yet surged to close fourth.

With Harry Skelton taking over from his earlier jockey today and equipped with stamina, we expect him to race closer to the front.

He holds a weight advantage over the victor Il Ridoto, creating a scenario where the tables can be turned.

Grandeur D’Ame returned to form with a win at Chepstow earlier this season and finished fourth in this race last year, suggesting he is prepared to at least match that performance.

Ga Law was a determined second in the Paddy Power and is anticipated to deliver a solid performance under capable trainer Jamie Snowden. This New Course setup notably suits him.

With Venetia Williams showing superb form, Gemirande is also a contender; he recently won at Ascot and was fifth in the Grand Annual at the Festival. While he has risen 8lbs in weights, he remains highly competitive.

Stage Star has demonstrated a liking for this course and required a comeback run at Aintree. Despite carrying significant weight, he shouldn’t be far off the pace.

2.25

MASTER CHEWY is competing at a lower level after an unsuccessful run in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek at Sandown last weekend.

He set up for that run with a solid fourth in a competitive handicap at Ascot and has enough quality to perform well even under top weight in his preferred distance.

Libberty Hunter poses a potential threat, despite an eight-month break, after finishing a strong third in an Aintree Grade 1 and second in the Grand Annual last season.

While softer ground may enhance his performance, we anticipate a solid showing from him under Harry Cobden.

Issar D’Airy dons cheekpieces for the first time after placing fourth at Newbury last time, where he faced difficulties.

After a robust start to the season at Newbury, he exhibits ample speed over this distance and might find his mark if the gear change suits.

Triple Trade has appeared rusty thus far this season but has dropped to a mark 5lbs below his last winning weight. He has performed well here previously but needs to recapture top form.

Etalon has struggled in his last two outings, making him one to track for now, while Third Time Lucky didn’t offer much upon his return in the latest outing.

After an eighteen-month break, he could improve with this return.

3.00

SKYJACK HIJACK is a prominent competitor, having achieved a remarkable six consecutive victories at Newcastle last time.

He adeptly manages his hurdles and poses a formidable challenge when taking the lead.

This presents a significant test, but he has clocked impressive times and seems more than capable at this level. He is adaptable to varying ground conditions and exhibits strong stamina.

French contender Jet Blue is intriguing after showcasing notable performances at Auteuil. He has previously competed at Grade 1 level in bumpers, and his trainer has had success at Cheltenham.

Clondaw General was acquired for £150,000 and impressed with his debut over hurdles at Worcester in October. He is expected to build on that effort if adapting well to the better ground.

Western Knight pulled off a brave victory at Ascot three weeks ago despite limited experience. There is a strong indication that this distance will suit him, and major improvement could lead him into contention.

Aboutdamntime exhibited the traits of a seasoned jumper during his debut victory at Carlisle. As he required every bit of the upward finish there, he seems prepared for the challenge at Cheltenham.

3.35

TAKE NO CHANCES performed well in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle recently but may excel back at the handicap level.

She came into Gosforth Park following a 10-length Listed victory at Wetherby and has prior winning experience over three miles, alleviating any stamina concerns.

Having come close at Chepstow from a slightly lower weight in October, there is significant potential for future success.

Joyeuse made a promising comeback after nearly a year off with a solid third at Ascot three weeks ago. The added distance should benefit her, as she should be fitter for that effort.

Wodhooh may be underestimated given her recent Listed wins during trips to England.

She jumped confidently to secure her win at Doncaster in January, and trainer Gordon Elliott has her primed for a strong performance.

Pretending led for significant parts of her last outing at Wincanton before fading at the end. She has winning experience around this track, making her a candidate for a top finish.

Georgi Girl achieved a commendable victory at Warwick last month. With ample stamina, she should perform well under a 5lb penalty.

DONCASTER

2.05

FORWARD PLAN showed signs of rust when finishing fourth in the Badger Beers Chase at Wincanton last month.

He previously won this race on his second attempt last season and is well-positioned to repeat that performance, particularly with the essential ground-cut beneath him.

With only a 4lb increase above his last win, he reliably delivers competitive performances.

Gaboriot finished third on his return at Aintree despite the trip being slightly short, indicating promise as a potential threat at a more suited distance.

Extra rainfall would boost his chances, as softer ground is ideal for him.

Kim Bailey has a strong record in this race, and his entry Does He Know has performed well in both starts this season at Cheltenham.

Having last triumphed here, he’s back to a consistent handicap mark, making him a serious contender.

Chasing Fire seemed in need of his last outing at Cheltenham but could show notable improvement here if fitted with cheekpieces for the first time.

Straw Fan Jack was a respectable third in the Festival Plate at Cheltenham three races ago. Following a rusty return last time, he is now down in the weights, offering an appealing each-way option.

2.40

WEST BALBOA aims to regain her winning form as she returns to hurdles.

Having struggled in her last two chasing attempts, she is a proven competitor over the smaller obstacles, capable of giving weight to her rivals if this were a handicap.

This distance suits her well, and she can adapt to various ground conditions, being a daughter of the esteemed Yeats.

Gale Mahler poses as her most pressing threat, although her recent outing was disappointing when finishing a distant third at Cheltenham.

The move to a longer distance here might rekindle her competitive edge.

Ottizzini remains validated over this three-mile distance, despite a rough performance in deep ground at Haydock last time.

Having started the season with a convincing win at Ayr, a return to that form could yield a forecast finish.

Wynenot faces a demanding test of stamina following her solid fourth position at Cheltenham 28 days prior. While she appears enduring, she’ll need to elevate her performance further.

3.15

NORMAN FLETCHER started this season strongly with a noteworthy second at Cheltenham, further solidifying that form with a successful outing at Huntingdon last month.

He displayed ample reserves, indicating a potential leap forward in this race.

Deploy To Spy continues to improve with each race and secured victory on his handicap debut at Aintree last month.

Although he faces a 7lb increase in weight, improvement is likely for his in-form trainer Olly Murphy.

Altobelli is an interesting option as he returns after a ten-month break for Harry Fry.

Having previously competed in robust company, he was well-supported for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury; however, he seemed to run into potential issues.

Returning from a more favorable mark, any market interest will be noteworthy.

Jungle Jack necessitated his last run at Bangor last month and must elevate his game in this competitive field.

Lily Du Berlais faced challenges in a Grade 2 at Haydock but carries winning experience from her last handicap at Kelso last May. This distance suits her well, offering a chance for a surprising performance.

Templegate’s tips

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