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TEMPLEGATE approaches the races this Saturday with a positive outlook, hoping to gather some extra cash for last-minute Christmas gifts.
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HENRY’S FRIEND (2.20 Newbury, nap)
After a strong fifth-place finish in the Coral Hennessy recently, he is a former Grade 2 winner as a novice. His stamina is notable, and he seems to be well-placed in terms of weight. More is anticipated from Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old.
LATENIGHTRUMBLE (1.25 Leicester, nb)
With a significant advancement in his last appearance, he secured a win at Wetherby earlier this month. He comfortably moved into contention despite the soft ground and still had energy in reserve. This was only his second chase outing, and there’s much more to come.
MR HOPE STREET (1.45 Newbury, treble)
He impressed at Warwick, marking his fourth successful run out of the last five, finishing with energy to spare. Though he’s gone up 8lb in weight, he should be able to manage that increase.
Templegate’s insights
NEWBURY
1.45
MR HOPE STREET shone with a strong performance at Warwick. He finished with excess energy and while facing an 8lb weight increase, he’s likely to cope.
Rightsotom finished sixth in the 2023 Triumph Hurdle and recently won at Doncaster by seven lengths. His jumping was impressive, and he may overcome a rise in weight.
Mr Bramley performed well at Wetherby and deserves a chance at this elevated level, though he’ll need to improve.
Nicky Henderson has several competitors, and Go To War is looking sharp after multiple wins at Ludlow and a solid finish at Huntingdon earlier this month.
2.20
HENRY’S FRIEND put forth a fantastic effort finishing fifth in the Coral Hennessy and has solid credentials as a Grade 2 winner.
He possesses impressive stamina and appears well-weighted. More is anticipated from this great seven-year-old.
Hoe Joly Smoke showed promise at Sandown, and he should handle the longer distance well.
It’s still early in his chasing journey. Among Paul Nicholls’ duo, Inch House could slightly edge out Brave Kingdom.
The former is making just his second run for the yard following a seven-month gap, while Brave Kingdom struggled at Ascot but has previously performed well at this venue.
Surrey Quest triumphed over Hymac at Cheltenham lately and will aim to replicate that performance. He won this race last year, so he should not be overlooked.
2.55
PAUL Nicholls has dominated this Grade 1 race for the last four years, and REGENT’S STROLL looks positioned to continue this legacy.
He won an impressive bumper here in March and started his hurdle career with a noteworthy nine-length victory over two miles at this track, showing great adaptability to increased distance.
The New Lion poses a considerable challenge after his triumph last month, and he seemed capable of conserving his energy well in that race.
Bill Joyce appears built for stamina after winning a Grade 2 at Sandown three weeks ago. Though pace might be a concern, he could still secure a top position for Jonjo O’Neill.
The other competitors appear somewhat underwhelming, though Ben Pauling’s It’s Hard To Know won comfortably at Market Rasen 23 days ago and could bring a surprise despite facing tougher foes today.
3.35
THEFORMISMIGHTY showed promising potential with a recent 10-length victory at Southwell. Despite a rise in weight, he is expected to appreciate this extended distance and perform strongly.
Inthewaterside is an interesting candidate making his chase debut for Paul Nicholls. Being fit from a previous hurdle run, he should be competitive here.
Menaggio hasn’t faced strong competition in his two prior chases, but he impressed and will benefit from this longer distance.
Shanagh Bob has Grade 2 quality in hurdles, and while his chase debut was disappointing, it might be premature to dismiss him.
Rock My Way displayed solid stamina at Doncaster and may finish strongly, potentially placing despite a hefty weight.
LEICESTER
1.25
LATENIGHTRUMBLE has made notable strides with his recent victory at Wetherby.
He moved into contention smoothly despite the soft ground and had plenty of energy remaining. This was only his second chase run, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
Superbolt ended a streak of second-place finishes with a strong win at Ludlow 24 days ago. A 6lb increase seems warranted, and his stamina will handle the hill well, making him a significant threat.
Peejaybee put in a decent performance at Catterick last time and is well-positioned to tackle this longer stamina challenge. Even though he’s slightly elevated in the handicap, he offers each-way potential.
Wild Side Of Life was heavily backed prior to falling on his chase debut at Musselburgh last month, suggesting he has shown promise at home, so watch for another market movement.
3.10
HUNTER LEGEND made progress last season and looks ready for victory after coming close at Wincanton last time.
He possesses impressive stamina for this challenging track and will benefit from any softer ground. Venetia Williams’ horse is a strong contender.
Sheldon may need this run after a break but previously secured a solid third here and thrives at this distance.
Invincible Nao seemed to require a run at Sandown recently, but the Moore stable is performing well.
He narrowly missed at Sandown in March under this mark and excels over this distance, making him a substantial threat.
William Cody performed admirably at Southwell just 12 days ago and has a successful history at this track and distance.
He’s a reasonable 4lb heavier than his last victory at Huntingdon last month and has shown strong form on soft ground, aiming for a front-running strategy under Paul O’Brien.
LEOPARDSTOWN
2.00
BOB OLINGER could be the key to this tricky race. Although he showed some rust when losing to Home By The Lee last time, he meets him again under improved weight conditions.
He appears well-suited for this distance, and Henry De Bromhead’s team looks strong.
Home By The Lee is again a strong contender, previously winning this race in 2022, so endurance won’t be an issue.
Asterion Forlonge finished a strong second to Teahupoo last time at the Punchestown Festival. While his stamina is unquestionable, he often faces one or two superior opponents.
Hewick, who triumphed in the King George at Kempton last year, should not be overlooked. He finished strongly in a recent Grade 1 chase and has abundant stamina to offer good each-way value.
Noble Yeats is an enticing option, having clinched the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. Despite two subpar outings since then, this could be the right time to support Emmet Mullins’ entry.
2.35
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS is expected to showcase his capabilities returning to a distance that fits him well.
Fact To File outperformed the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Galopin, in the John Durkan race last time, although the 2m4f distance wasn’t perfect for him.
He staged an impressive performance to finish within three lengths behind and had a dominant showing in this race the previous year.
Fact To File remains a strong competitor after exhibiting his abilities at the Brown Advisory during the Cheltenham Festival.
This event promises competitiveness, and Paul Townend’s mount is favored to win.
The competition for third place seems open, and Grand National winner I Am Maximus might be well-placed. He began last season with a victory, demonstrating stamina over the distance.
The eight-year-old also shows decent pace, evidenced by a 2m4f Grade 1 win in his past.
Gentlemansgame performed admirably in the Punchestown Festival Gold Cup, finishing fourth against Fastorslow. He generally performs well fresh and could contend for a podium finish.
It’s plausible for the inconsistent Conflated to have a solid outing, having faced difficulties at the Cheltenham cross-country course recently but is expected to be fitter for this race.
Templegate’s recommendations
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