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TEMPLEGATE is poised to start 2025 on a high note, providing his seasoned insights.
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GOLDEN ACE (3.15 Cheltenham, nap)
She just missed out in a tight finish for an Ascot Grade 2 during her return last month. Having claimed the Dawn Run here last season, it’s evident this track suits her, and she benefits from advantageous weight against her male rivals.
SPRINGWELL BAY (2.05 Cheltenham, nb)
He has progressed with each of his three chase outings and performed commendably behind a strong winner here last time. This distance is his specialty, and he has constantly shown form at Cheltenham. There’s more to come from him given what appears to be a fair handicap mark.
ANAMANDA (2.55 Musselburgh, treble)
She posted a significant personal best here last time, and this distance is ideal for her. Returning from the same rating, she poses a solid chance.
Templegate’s insights
CHELTENHAM
12.20
KALIF DU BERLAIS narrowly outpaced Tedley when they met at Newbury in November and can sustain that form.
The Paul Nicholls-trained horse was only making his second run over fences and likely has more to offer, being a former Grade 2 winner in hurdles.
Vincenzo also bested Tedley last time out during Windsor’s jumps meeting 17 days ago.
Although Sam Thomas’s hopeful seemed set for a second, he finished strong and won easily.
As it was just his debut over fences, further progression is anticipated as he jumped effortlessly.
Tedley is better off at the weights against both rivals today, having shown his best at this distance.
However, he has moved up in the handicap and is now 11lb above his last win. He will need to show considerable improvement to overturn previous results.
12.55
DIVA LUNA was an outstanding winner of the prestigious mares’ bumper at Aintree’s Grand National meeting in April.
It was disappointing to see her defeated at odds-on in her hurdles debut at Lingfield last time.
She ran as if returning from a break, looking good until fading late. This step up in distance appears wise, and she benefits from a 7lb allowance against all her competitors today.
Kalhandrion has shown steady improvement with each run and finished solidly fourth at Warwick 20 days ago. He finished in his own time and can certainly do better.
Mount Gay Run showed promise on his comeback from a year off, finishing third in a Sandown Listed contest.
That was a solid hurdles debut on his first outing for Keiran Burke after leaving Paul Nicholls.
Nicholls fields Ken Roy, who narrowly missed out in a close finish at Plumpton a fortnight ago. This race is tougher, but there’s more to come from him.
Watch the betting closely for clues regarding £200,000 acquisition Pierrot Jaguen, making his debut for Olly Murphy.
1.30
BROADWAY BOY is set to claim his well-deserved first win of the season.
He ran strongly in a competitive handicap here in October and then delivered a fine second in the Coral Hennessy at Newbury last time.
A 2lb rise is quite lenient, given his affinity for this distance and track.
Our Power presents the main threat after returning to form with a second-place finish here 19 days ago.
Trainer Sam Thomas is in exceptional shape, and this 10-year-old is only 3lb above his last victory while being lightly raced for his age.
Chantry House is an interesting entry, making his first chase start in two years. He has the credentials of a Grade 2 performer at his best, so the market will provide insights.
Cloudy Glen was impressive while winning at Haydock last month. While he’s now racing at a career-high rating, he is part of the successful Venetia Williams team.
Bowtogreatness performed poorly last time at Newcastle, but he stays well and shouldn’t be overlooked.
2.05
SPRINGWELL BAY has evolved with each of his three chase outings and performed admirably behind a capable winner last time.
He thrives at this distance and has yet to register a poor outing at Cheltenham, suggesting there’s potential within a fair handicap mark.
Gemirande looks to continue the strong form of the Venetia Williams stable.
He has shown impressive improvement this season with an uncomplicated victory at Ascot and a determined win here last time.
While he will need further improvement from 8lbs higher, he is well-suited to this trip.
Lisnamult Lad was a fine victor here in October but stumbled at Navan last time. He’s only 3lb above his latest win and could threaten if he restores his form.
Hitman can be frustrating, known for traveling well but not finishing. Despite placing in tougher competitions, he remains unpredictable.
Marble Sands previously won a Listed race at this distance at Carlisle last month but failed to replicate that form when unplaced at Newcastle last time, indicating room for improvement.
2.40
DEEP CAVE has had a couple of outings for Christian Williams and showed promise when finishing fifth here last month. He still had energy left and appreciates this ground condition.
One Big Bang prefers softer surfaces, as seen by his strong second at Haydock last time. He possesses notable stamina, and Harry Cobden is an excellent jockey choice.
Strackan has thrived on softer conditions, having recently won races at Bangor and Uttoxeter. His stamina is unquestionable, and he could finish with strength.
Idefix De Ciergues maintains stamina and continued running to secure victory at Doncaster last time. More rain would enhance his chances.
Catch Him Derry put in a disappointing effort at Haydock and might show significant improvement.
3.15
GOLDEN ACE narrowly missed winning in a blanket finish for an Ascot Grade 2 during her return last month.
Having clinched the Dawn Run here last season, it’s clear this track suits her, and she enjoys favorable weight against her male rivals.
Langer Dan is a prominent name in the hurdling circuit and was narrowly defeated in a photo for a Grade 1 over comparable distance at Aintree in April after his Coral Cup victory at the Festival.
He seemed off form during his return but should be much sharper today.
Gowel Road has placed second in three races here this season and is expected to secure another podium finish, although he occasionally makes errors at critical moments.
Salver and Lucky Place are both rising stars and present a substantial challenge in a robust Relkeel.
3.50
GNOMON, trained by the esteemed Flat trainer Ralph Beckett, made an impressive debut, winning by nearly five lengths at Exeter despite limited experience. He is set to advance from that promising start.
Lady Tadita appeared above average, charging home to victory by eight lengths on debut at Huntingdon 50 days ago.
This track presents a different challenge, but anything near her last performance should position her in contention.
Merely A Detail performed well at Doncaster and should have gained valuable experience from that outing.
Rose’s Dart finished closely behind her on Town Moor and is another with significant room for improvement.
Marhaba Prince has transferred from Owen Burrows after his victory at Wincanton earlier this month. With Flat-bred lineage, he can effectively leverage his speed.
Danger Nap showed promise with a second-place finish at Aintree and comes from a strong hurdling lineage.
Precious Metal finished with energy in reserve when narrowly beaten on her debut at Wincanton for Henrietta Knight.
MUSSELBURGH
1.45
BENSON has won this race twice before and should perform better in this category following his Fighting Fifth experience against Sir Gino last time.
He has consistently done well at this track and aims to complete a hat-trick.
Bold Light returns to a more appropriate grade after a lackluster performance, although it was at Haydock.
A return to his prior form, where he comfortably won at Kelso two runs back, could offer him solid chances with a reasonable handicap mark.
Liari previously won a Listed race during his last visit here in February and seemed primed for this longer distance when well-held at Newbury last time. He shouldn’t be far off the pace with his rider’s 5lb claim.
Sweet Fantasy showed promise on the Flat and wasn’t too far off in respectable company at Cheltenham last time.
She’s had a mild reduction in weight, and her timber career is still in its early stages under James Owen’s guidance.
2.20
BEAU BALKO is consistent and recently demonstrated another commendable performance with a second place at Newbury 14 days ago.
He was a strong winner in his prior run at Musselburgh last season and fits well with these ground conditions.
Boomslang is continually improving over fences, having secured two wins from three attempts at Carlisle last outing. He maintained a strong pace there and should finish strongly.
Corrigeen Rock seemed to need the run when finishing sixth at Ascot upon his return. He was a close contender in this race last year and holds solid chances from 6lb higher in the weights.
High Moon finished a respectable third over this distance at Hexham last time. Though he faces stronger competition here, he could sneak a place.
Breizh River has been rising in the weights but will find this less challenging than the Grade 2 where he encountered difficulties at Cheltenham last time.
Templegate’s selections
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