sportskeeda
TEMPLEGATE is looking forward to Friday’s racing, confident he can land a winner or two.
Check out all his selections below.
THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE
Join Sun Racing’s incredible Members Enclosure for the first access to Templegate’s tips at the best prices.
Sign up today for just £1* and become part of the premier winning team in racing, enjoying…
- Four free racing tickets annually – valued at £300
- Access Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
- Exclusive insight into Templegate’s daily NAP
- The upcoming edition of The Favourite delivered by 9pm today
- Unique insights from leading trainer Ben Pauling
- Monthly VIP competitions from Racing Breaks
- New customer promotions with Coral
Become a member today for just £1*
*For the first month, then £3 per month thereafter.
18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless cancelled at least 7 days before your next billing date. For queries, contact help@thesun.co.uk
STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap)
He showcased potential as a National contender when winning the Troytown at Navan last time under Gordon Elliott. His strong finish over three miles indicates he’s a true stayer and has room to improve past his current handicap rating.
BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb)
Despite falling in this race last year, he rebounded with a commendable second-place finish behind Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham. He nearly matched that elite horse and should excel in these conditions, making him a strong candidate for a repeat performance.
DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble)
His victory at Haydock saw him with plenty left in the tank, and a 7lb weight increase should not be a disadvantage.
Templegate’s predictions
CHEPSTOW
1.05
NOCTE VOLATUS has an impressive record at Chepstow, having decisively won against a large field last October over this distance.
Following a solid performance at Ascot where he stayed on well, he returns to the same handicap mark and should have a good chance again.
Lowry’s Bar achieved his first chase victory at Exeter 21 days ago and continues to show improvement; although softer ground is preferred, he remains a significant threat.
Le Milos is now 5lb below his last winning mark but has faced challenges finishing recent races. A resurgence in form for the Skeltons wouldn’t be surprising.
While Venetia Williams may not be as strong as previous weeks, Georges Saint still poses a threat after struggling at Ludlow last time, but could outperform the handicapper.
Fidelio Vallis was pulled up after a year’s absence at Newbury, although he showed previous form by scoring at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.
1.40
NIETZSCHE HAS presents an impressive profile from France with a narrow defeat in an Auteuil Grade 1 last month.
Equipped with good pace for this trip and preferring soft ground, there’s a great chance of improvement.
Opec recently won a Listed event at Newbury with a significant margin, taking control of the race confidently. The mares’ allowance enhances her chances, though this race is tougher.
Static, having transferred to Olly Murphy from France, finished third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 recently.
This is just his third outing for new trainers, requiring an uplift in performance.
Hot Fuss, showing promise on the flat, scored his first hurdles win at Sandown earlier this month. Though this competition is stronger, he could still place under Harry Cobden.
Melon clocked a good time winning on his hurdles debut at Doncaster just 14 days ago but needs to raise his level in this company.
2.10
DANS LE VENT has dropped nearly a stone from his last winning hurdles mark and demonstrated potential at Haydock last month.
With ample stamina for this distance, he is well-priced for a top-three finish by Welsh trainer Evan Williams.
Woodie Flash seems to have progressed while being held up in his last two races, winning at Ffos Las and finishing a close second at Lingfield recently.
A 5lb rise appears justified over his preferred distance.
Madaket finished close behind Woodie Flash last time and is 3lb better off today.
Phantomofthepoints would appreciate more rain for muddy conditions and was competitive at Haydock last month. An authentic stayer, he may lead from the front and could sneak a place.
Bill Baxter returned to hurdles with a second at Uttoxeter recently and holds each-way hopes at this adjusted mark.
Tune In A Box nabbed a significant win at Punchestown in April, running his best race since when finishing fourth at Cheltenham last time. He stands a chance at an ideal distance.
2.50
STUZZIKINI, a candidate for the National, won the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan last time.
Finishing strongly over three miles shows the signs of a real stayer, and he has potential to improve beyond his current handicap rating.
Elliott’s Where It All Began, under Sean Bowen, adds depth to the competition. Having been respectable as the eighth in the Irish National, he comes here fresh.
Galia Des Liteaux has been training for this and ran well in the Coral Cup at Newbury. Preferential to softer ground, he remains competitive.
Iron Bridge, a distant third in this race last year, is 6lb lighter today and could match that performance.
Monbeg Genius finished strong as a runner-up at Haydock on his return, and he has previously performed well here, thriving in this stamina test.
Fontaine Collonges carries a significant weight but was impressive when defeating Monbeg Genius at Haydock last time.
An 8lb rise shouldn’t hinder his competitiveness, although softer ground would be preferable for the Venetia Williams runner.
Sam Thomas’s duo, 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express, both have place prospects, though they may prefer rain-soaked conditions.
KEMPTON
1.20
LARCHMONT LASS found 2m4f a bit sharp last time, finishing third at Sandown.
She appeared far stronger in her comeback win at Wetherby and looks poised for another victory under Nicholls and Cobden’s disciples.
Fortuna Ligna is a good each-way selection after her solid performance at Ascot, though she can be erratic; but she does have a decent engine.
Pawpuri exhibited rust in her first hurdle outing in nearly a year last month but fought well before tiring. This extended distance is likely to suit her.
West Balboa risks becoming a disappointment, but she has more talent than her recent efforts suggest.
She is capable of far better than her last display at Doncaster, especially with a valuable 7lb taken off by her rider.
Della Casa Lunga performed admirably in Listed company recently and has undergone a wind operation since. He needs to return to his best form.
1.55
This contest could be thrilling as debutant SIR GINO may just edge out Ballyburn.
Nicky Henderson has praised Sir Gino’s schooling, and he proved his capabilities by winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last month.
His strongest performances have come over this distance, aided by his course win.
Good ground favors him, while Ballyburn has shown better form in softer conditions.
Willie Mullins’ contender appears formidable, winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths effortlessly.
Although he has triumphed at this trip, he might benefit from additional distance.
A solid performance from Rubaud would be surprising on his chase debut, despite his good form over hurdles.
He claimed Listed success at this course and distance in October, but faces tougher competition today.
2.30
BOOTHILL fell in this race last year but held strong with a second-place finish behind Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham recently.
Having pushed that elite horse closely, he should appreciate these conditions; a repeat run could suffice.
Martator shows no signs of slowing after winning comfortably by 11 lengths at Ascot last month.
This marked his fifth victory on the bounce for Venetia Williams, and he excels over this distance on good ground.
The handicapper raised him 11lb, but that may not be sufficient to curtail him.
Edwardstone finished behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time.
He was running strongly when falling four from home and may struggle to carry top weight in this field.
Sans Bruit couldn’t keep pace with Martator last time, leaving no clear indicators for a turnaround today.
3.08
FRERO BANBOU won decisively at Newcastle last time, and a 7lb increase is not a concern, given his previous successes at this mark.
Jockey Charlie Deutsch has showcased his expertise with staying chasers this season and can secure another win for Venetia Williams.
Weveallbeencaught is set to be far more content at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month.
His prior performance at this grade led to a close second, making him a solid each-way prospect.
Dreaming Blue has made occasional errors but showcased strength when winning over a longer distance at Ludlow last time. A 3lb weight increase is fair.
Highstakesplayer previously secured a victory over course and distance in April and performed strongly in second place at Ascot prior to an underwhelming performance at Newbury last time. He has been dropped to a suitable level here.
Golden Son has displayed improved form at this specialist track and will be fitter after a rusty return at Newbury recently.
Templegate’s tips
WETHERBY
11.50 Let’s Go Joe
Returned to winning form at Doncaster last time.
12.25 Maghlaak
Strong on the flat and pushing for success as a hurdler.
1.00 Campaign Trail
Had a winning debut at Doncaster recently.
1.35 Dare To Shout
Consistent efforts, came close again at Kelso last time.
2.15 Cruden
Started well over hurdles at Cork and has since changed stables.
2.45 Pay The Piper
Performed admirably in his past two visits to this venue.
3.20 Blue Bellamy
Strong points performer, came close at Market Rasen last time.
CHEPSTOW
12.00 Julius Des Pictons
Victory last time with limited miles on the clock.
12.30 King William Rufus
Secured a win at Ascot, now back under penalty.
1.05 Lowry’s Bar
Strong showing over fences at Exeter, more to deliver.
1.40 Nietzsche Has
Consistent, nearly won in a French Grade 1 recently.
2.10 Dans Le Vent
Ready for a return to his ideal distance.
2.50 Stuzzikini (nap)
Improving stayer, in excellent shape at Navan last time.
3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble)
Won impressively at Haydock recently, and form has been validated.
KEMPTON
12.45 Nardaran
Flat winner, ready to make a successful start for Paul Nicholls.
1.20 Larchmont Lass
Can score again now returned to her desired distance.
1.55 Sir Gino
Classy performer over hurdles; positive schooling reports.
2.30 Boothill (nb)
Strong history of wins here and a solid run behind Jonbon last time.
3.08 Frero Banbou
Thrived on the challenging trip when scoring at Newcastle last time.
3.38 Willmount
Could reinvigorate his career under Nicky Henderson.
WOLVERHAMPTON
4.00 Havana Sky
On a winning streak, presenting another excellent chance ahead.
4.30 Enacting
Showed promise in both outings, still more to unveil.
5.00 Best Rate
Finished strongly to secure fifth at Lingfield last time.
5.30 Merchant
Improved from debut, finishing second at Newcastle last time.
6.00 Currumbin
Had a strong start for this yard, winning at Southwell recently.
6.30 One Night Stand
Displayed top form over this course and distance.
7.00 Come On John
Consistently solid performances, good run most recently.
7.30 Master Of Combat
Can secure his fifth victory here from a competitive handicap mark.
8.00 Forever Proud
Achieved a strong second over this course and distance last time.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Accepting one of the offers in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. Brands pay fees to be featured prominently on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Sets time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases after losses
- Doesn’t gamble when upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
