Horse racing tips: Nicky Henderson can strike again to land my NAP at Cheltenham
TEMPELGATE takes on Friday’s card confident of firing in some winners.
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HYLAND (1.45, nap)
Looks destined for big things after his 15-length romp here last time out. While his main rivals faltered, Nico De Boinville bided his time on this seven-year-old who travelled really sweetly through the race.
He hit the front jumping the last and skipped up the hill to score without breaking sweat.He faces stronger company here but has a lot more to come.
MISTER COFFEY 2.55 Cheltenham, nb)
He enjoyed himself in last year’s Grand National so the Cross-Country course will be right up his alley.
VALGRAND (3.30 Cheltenham, treble)
Was so impressive when winning here last time. His jumping caught the eye and he can land a Grade 2.
CHELTENHAM ITV VERDICTS
1.10 DOUBLE POWERFUL
Has been living up to his name with an impressive five wins on the spin, with the last two victories coming by 24 and ten lengths. He has a 7lb penalty for his Fontwell success in this class and has plenty of stamina for this trip.
There’s every chance he’ll strike again for Neil Mulholland. American Sniper won this last year and is only 5lb higher in the handicap now.
He got back to winning ways at Newbury last week and has solid place claims. Plaisir Des Flos came back from six months off to score at Carlisle 22 days ago.
That was his fifth win on the spin too and a 7lb rise may not put the brakes on. Il Va De Soi was impressive when going in by five lengths at Uttoxeter last time.
He’s gone up the weights but trainer Harry Derham is in good form and there’s more to come. Whatsupwithyou was second in a big field here two runs ago and can figure too.
1.45 HYLAND
Has left his modest hurdles form behind over fences and looked a potential class act when winning here by 15 lengths at the October meeting. He jumped well and stormed up the hill. Nicky Henderson’s hopeful can cope with this hike in grade.
Springwell Bay impressed when taking a Chepstow Listed race on chase debut last month. He has winning hurdles form here and should cope with the longer trip. He’s another with a bright future. Resplendent Grey took well to fences with a Uttoxeter debut win.
This is much tougher so he’ll need to improve but he can’t be ignored. Buddy One has to bounce back from a poor run at Wexford.
2.20 JONBON
Kicked off last season by winning this race and, after a slight blip in the Clarence House, finished the season with Grade 1 wins at Aintree and Sandown. He has 14 wins and three places from his 17 runs, likes this trip and is fine on good ground.
He should win this without too much trouble. Edwardstone has an Arkle and Tingle Creek on his CV and was beaten nine lengths in this race last season. He’s been beaten by Jonbon several times now but he does go well fresh and should hit the forecast spot.
Boothill goes best at Ascot where he won a couple of hot handicaps early last season. He fell when upped in class before finishing behind Jonbon and Edwardstone at Sandown.
He likes good ground but has plenty to find. Unexpected Party is a solid handicapper over this trip but needs the other three to have an off day.
2.55 MISTER COFFEY
Has, amazingly, yet to win over fences but this could be the day. He jumped for fun in the 2023 Grand National and will still going strong at the four-mile point only to empty like a rusty bucket. He ran well a couple of times last season and comes back from a very fair mark.
He goes from the front and could take some stopping. Tommie Beau is hard as nails. Quirky Cartmel is his favourite track so he could well enjoy this challenge. More rain would be ideal but he’ll run his race.
Conflated is a Grade 1 winner over three miles and was placed in that company last season. He is fit from a comeback run in the Charlie Hall and could hit the frame. Slipway has some solid handicap chase form in the book and stays all day.
3.30 VALGRAND kept up his unbeaten run over hurdles with a breathtaking Grade 2 success here last month. He went from the front and flew most of the flights in scoring by 17 lengths. He may get pestered for the lead this time but has enough quality to follow up.
Potters Charm did not hurdle like a natural here when scoring last time but his engine got him home. Nigel Twiston-Davies is sure to have worked on his jumping since then.
Gale Mahler was no match for the tip last time but is progressive and should get a bit closer this time. The others face a tall order with Rockstown Girl taking a modest contest at Chepstow last month.
4.00 CLAP OF THUNDER went like lightning when winning at Ascot last time out. He tanked along and jumped well to score by almost five lengths. That was just his second spin over hurdles so he can improve with good ground right up his street.
Fasol was a Group horse on the Flat in France and went close over timber at Kempton in May. His opening handicap mark of 108 may prove to be lenient.
Golden Maverick looked useful in winning a couple of minor races and went close again when second at Hereford. He’s another who could be ahead of the handicapper.
Wreckless Eric was well backed and going like the winner before falling two out at Wincanton 29 days ago. If that hasn’t left a scar he’ll be right on the premises. Balhambar ran well on turf last month and has a couple of handicap hurdle wins on his CV.
He likes this trip and rain would bring him into this as he likes it soft. Can’t Resist It caught the eye when second at Market Rasen when last seen in May and has an each-way shout for Fergal O’Brien.
Templegate’s tips
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