Last Updated: 14:19, 22/01/23

Allegorie De Vassy cut to 7/4 for the Mares Chase

14:19 Sunday

The well regarded Mares Chase contender continued her Cheltenham preparations with success at Thurles this afternoon.

The Willie Mullins six-year-old jumped sharply to her right especially at the first where Paul Townend recovered well to stay aboard the long odds-on favourite.

Allegorie De Vassy disputes favouritism in the ante-post market with Impervious who is currently priced at 15/6.

Mahlers Mission a shout for the National Hunt Chase?

15:19 Saturday

After Mahlers Mission won the 14:52 at Navan, Ryan Summervile (@ryanOTHx) had his say on his chances for the National Hunt Chase (10/1): "That’s a proper performance from Mahlers Mission over at Navan and he’s a real contender for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham now.

"In terms of entries, he’s only entered in the National Hunt Chase and connections have stated it’s the plan, and he’s already qualified. He’s beaten a really good field there today and you only have to back to last year as a novice hurdler when he outstayed The Real Whacker in the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster. He’s now a 153 rated chaser don’t forget."

"There’s also tonnes of stamina in Mahler Missions pedigree which puts him in a really good position for something like that National Hunt Chase."

"The dam is a half sister to Mirchu, a 3m5f chase winner in Ireland as well as Buachaill Alainn. Buchaill Alainn was a winner of the 3m5f Durham National and 3m6f Veterans race at Cartmel for Peter Bowen."

It's For Me favourite for Champion Bumper after an impressive win

14:56 Saturday

After an impressive win at Navan Willie Mullins' five-year-old It's For Me has moved to 5/1 favourite for the Champion Bumper. 

Haydock abandon Saturday's card due to frozen ground

08:53 Saturday

Architect's ITV Racing Double for Haydock

16:44 Friday

It was a shame that Ascot was forced to abandon its high-class Clarence House Chase meeting due to frozen ground but we still have a good day’s racing on to look forward to.

Here is Architect's recommended ITV Double for the TV coverage.

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He has gone for 13/8 favourite Pembroke in the Sky Bet Supreme Trial at Haydock, despite the claims of second favourite Chasing Fire, who is a best price 33/1 for the Supreme at the Festival.

What to look out for this weekend

13:35 Friday

 

Chacun Pour Soi steps up in trip at Thurles

12:11 Friday

Chacun Pour Soi has never gone beyond 2m1½f in his career to date, but steps up to 2m4½f for the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles. The 11-year-old's shortest price for Cheltenham 2023 is 20/1 for the Ryanair Chase (12/1 worst price).

Signs are good for Saturday card at Haydock

10:37 Friday

Key races to look out for:

 

Ascot abandon Saturday's card due to frozen ground

16:33 Thursday

Champion Bumper favourite to skip the Dublin Racing Festival

16:03 Thursday

The five-year-old Chapeau De Soleil has not been entered in the Grade 2 Future Stars flat race at the Dublin Racing Festival. He is priced up for the Supreme and Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival (entries on Tuesday 24th), but remains the 8/1 ante-post favourite for the Champion Bumper. Entries for the Bumper land on 28th February.

Sir Gerhard in action at Gowran Park next week

14:10 Thursday

Last year's Ballymore winner, Sir Gerhard, has been entered in the 2m Beginners Chase at Gowran Park on Thyestes day next Thursday.

For Cheltenham 2023, the eight-year-old is a best price 20/1 for the Arkle, 33/1 for the Champion Hurdle, 10/1 for the Turners and 25/1 for the Stayers'. 

Architect Tips backs Irish raider for Clarence House win

13:02 Thursday

"He lost nothing in defeat in this 12 months ago and is versatile in regards to tactics, as he has demonstrated his class to win from the front as well as from off the pace. He is an excellent jumper, who has pace, gears and will take the world of beating here this weekend."

Writing in his race preview for Saturday's 15:35 at Ascot, Architect Tips picks his side as Energumene and Edwardstone go head-to-head. Click here to read more.

Naas Hurdle in February to provide Boodles clues

11:35 Thursday

Tekao is the 9/1 favourite for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

Clarence House trio declared... pending 4pm inspection

10:15 Thursday

Any more ante-post bets in the bin after this week?

09:49 Thursday

Edwardstone ready for Energumene battle

17:05 Wednesday

Edwardstone trainer Alan King said: "This is what we do it for, isn't it? That is why I got hooked on racing as a kid - some of those great battles.

"Grade 1 races should be like that. It is what racing is all about."

Impervious heads for the Mares' Chase

15:54 Wednesday

Eyebrows were raised yesterday when Impervious wasn't entered in either the Arkle or the Turners Novices' Chase. Trainer Colm Murphy has now confirmed she will go for the Mares' Chase (2/1 second favourite) and is "going there with a massive chance".

Flooring Porter to miss the Stayers' Hurdle? 

14:55 Wednesday

The two-time winner of the Stayers' Hurdle, Flooring Porter, could be set to miss this year's race at Cheltenham after the eight-year-old's trainer Gavin Cromwell told Racing Post his chances "hang in the balance after meeting with a setback".

Biggest names missing from Novice Chase entries

13:48 Wednesday

Noble Yeats likely to run in Cotswold Chase instead of Lingfield

11:08 Wednesday

Grand National winner Noble Yeats was set to run in the Fleur De Lys Chase at Lingfield on Sunday but due to an admin error, it is now likely that the eight-year-old will now run in the Cotswold Chase next week at Cheltenham. 

Trainer Emmet Mullins is certainly looking for the Noble Yeats to have one race before the Cheltenham Gold Cup in which the eight-year-old is currently the best price of 7/1. 

Top 10 Cheltenham Favourites - Who should we take on?

10:06 Wednesday

We asked a selection of racing experts which of the 10 shortest priced favourites for Cheltenham 2023 they are most willing to take on and why.

Steve Ryder - Allegorie De Vassy (15/8 Mares' Chase)

@SteveRyder13: "Both Impervious and Zambella have both shown improved form this season and both have more experience than the favourite. 

"Allegorie De Vassy is unbeaten in her three starts since joining Willie Mullins and won impressively on her chasing debut last time by 19 lengths but that lack of experience over fences is a enough of a concern for me to take her on at a short price in the Mares' Chase.

"Impervious is 3/3 over fences including when conceding weight to Journey With Me last time and Zambella has been impressive in her latest two victories and should hold strong claims of improving from her fourth place finish in the race last year. 

"Add in last year’s 1,2,3 - Elimay, Pink Legend and Scarlet And Dove who all look set to contest the race again and there are enough opponents to convince me to take her on."

Ryan Morgan - Galopin Des Camps (13/8 Gold Cup)

@RGMRacing: "As we know the Cheltenham Gold Cup is a unique test and it does not suit all horses. He’s only ran beyond 2m 5f one and that was in a novice hurdle around Punchestown.

The Irish Gold Cup on 4th February will show us everything we need to know about his stamina as there is no questions surrounding his ability. 

"I think Noble Yeats and Protektorat still represent value. It's also worth noting that world champion bingo caller Mr Mullins has left him an entry in the Ryanair chase."

Ryan Summerville - Allaho (15/8 Ryanair Chase)

@ryanOTHx: "At this stage I’d be looking to take on Allaho. He’s the best horse in the race and there’s no doubt about that but he’s a horse who’s hard on himself during races with his running style, a powerful front runner. However, trying that first time out off a year long break will be very difficult.

"The warning signs are also ringing with Chacun Pour Soi who’s entered in the Grade 2 over 2m4f this weekend, the race Allaho usually preps in. It hust feels like Mullins is preparing a back up for the Ryanair Chase in case Allaho doesn’t make it."

Facile Vega lined up for Dublin Racing Festival prep run

08:56 Wednesday

Patrick Mullins on Facile Vega via @SportingLife :"He's in great form at home. I'd imagine he'll go to the Dublin Racing Festival and Dave Porter is very happy with him."

The six-year-old is a short 2/5 best price (1/3 worst) for the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle on Sunday 5th February. He remains the 10/11 ante-post favourite for the Cheltenham opener.

Architect's Arkle alternative to Jonbon

16:52 Tuesday

Writing in his ante-post preview for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham, Architect Tips said: "Jonbon is bound to be popular and is a warm favourite for the opening chase at the Cheltenham Festival but his odds appear to be way too short and my gut instinct tells me something else is better value and might be too good for him on the day. 

"Willie Mullins hasn’t won this since 2019 but he has an excellent chance this time and it might even be with one at huge odds, who has been underestimated."

Click here to find out which horse he was talking about.

Four of National Hunt Chase top six yet to qualify

16:36 Tuesday

Latest ante-post odds for the race:

  • Gaillard Du Mesnil - 11/8 (Qualified)
  • Chemical Energy - 6/1 (Qualified)
  • Gerri Colombe - 10/1 (Not Qualified)
  • Ramillies - 12/1 (Not Qualified)
  • Amirite - 16/1 (Not Qualified)
  • Minella Crooner - 20/1 (Not Qualified)

 

10/1 Ryanair chance to run at Thurles on Sunday

14:51 Tuesday

Fakir D'oudairies has been entered in the Grade 2 Horse and Jockey Hotel Chase at Thurles on Sunday. The eight-year-old is a best price 10/1 for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham (worst price 7/1).

Is Gaelic Warrior's jumping a concern for Cheltenham?

14:25 Tuesday

@ryanOTHx said: "Gaelic Warrior cruised to an easy win in the re-arranged Munster Hurdle but how he jumps out to his right would still worry me for Cheltenham.

"You could argue he was beaten in the Boodles last year because of how violently he jumped out to his right and whilst it wasn’t as noticeable going right handed at Clonmel, you can still see there’s quirks and he still does jump out to his right.

"He seems to be one of the biggest hype horses this year whether it’s for the Ballymore (6/1 best price) or a handicap but personally I’d be taking him on. Cheltenham is no place to have jumping quirks as we’ve seen before with First Flow, Getabird and Asterion Forlonge who all jumped badly to their right in Novice Hurdles recently at the Festival."

Mullins unleashes Mares' Novice Hurdle contender

13:38 Tuesday

GYTO Joe said: "Willie Mullins may have unleashed a Cheltenham candidate in the shape of NIGHT AND DAY in Clonmel’s rescheduled card on Tuesday. She cruised through the race and handed the opposition a 22-length battering.

"Mullins often targets that race with a good one having won three of the past five renewals and it can be a good guide to the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in March. Magic Daze won it a couple of years ago for Henry de Bromhead before going on to finish second to Telmesomethinggirl at the Cheltenham Festival. Dinoblue took it last year for Mullins before running well for a long way behind Love Envoi.

"This Sea The Moon mare clearly has a bright future and it’s no surprise to see her shorten 14/1 into 10’s as take out Luccia the race is clearly lacking depth at the moment so she makes plenty of appeal from an each way perspective."

Our Twitter roundup of today's Novice Chase entries

12:34 Tuesday

More on Jonbon, Gaillard Du Mesnil & Mighty Potter

12:28 Tuesday

Arkle Chase

Nicky Henderson's Jonbon (11/8) heads a possible field of 26 for the Arkle on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins' leading hopes include Appreciate It, Dysart Dynamo, El Fabiolo and Sir Gerhard.

National Hunt Chase

37 entries for the National Hunt Chase include 6/4 favourite Gaillard Du Mesnil, Chemical Energy and Gerri Colombe, but no Thyme Hill and Ballygrifincottage.

Brown Advisory

Instead, Thyme Hill and The Real Whacker lead the British contingent in 34 entered for the Brown Advisory. Gaillard Du Mesnil, James Du Berlais and Ramillies for Mullins.

Turners Novices' Chase

Impervious or Allegorie De Vassy not entered, but Mighty Potter remains among 42 entries.

Cheltenham Novice Chase Entry Headlines

12:19 Tuesday

  • Jonbon to take on Willie Mullins trio in the Arkle Chase
  • Mighty Potter (7/2F) one of 41 entries for the Turners
  • Gaillard Du Mesnil one of 11 for Mullins in the National Hunt Chase
  • No entries for Classic Getaway, Impervious or Allegorie de Vassy
  • Journey With Me not entered in the Brown Advisory - Gaillard Du Mesnil, James Du Berlais and Ramillies among eight entries in the race for Mullins

Energumene vs Edwardstone in doubt?

11:49 Tuesday

All eyes on Gaelic Warrior at Clonmel

10:15 Tuesday

Gaelic Warrior runs in the Clonmel Munster Hurdle at 1:50 today.

He is one of the most priced up horses for Cheltenham 2023:

  • Supreme - 20/1
  • Ballymore - 7/1
  • Coral Cup - 10/1
  • County Hurdle - 14/1
  • Albert Bartlett - 20/1
  • Martin Pipe - 9/1

 

The 4/1 favourite for the Betfair Hurdle on Saturday 11th February at Newbury, does that point at the County Hurdle route rather than a novice hurdle?

Novice Chase Entry Day for Cheltenham 2023

09:17 Tuesday

Who are the ante-post favourites for the four races?

  • Arkle - Jonbon 11/8
  • Turners - Mighty Potter 7/2
  • Brown Advisory - Minella Cocooner 6/1
  • National Hunt - Gaillard Du Mesnil 13/8

What will we learn about Gaillard Du Mesnil tomorrow?

17:59 Monday

The Willie Mullins trained seven-year-old is the 13/8 ante-post favourite for the National Hunt Chase but might get another go at the Brown Advisory having finished 3rd in the race last year.

Gaillard Du Mesnil Cheltenham 2023 Odds:

Chase Price Worst Price
National Hunt 13/8 Evens
Brown Advisory 7/1 4/1
Ultima Handicap 16/1 16/1
Plate Handicap 16/1 16/1

Letsbeclearaboutit ready for Albert Bartlett tilt?

15:43 Monday

The Gavin Cromwell trained is a best price 33/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham (16/1 worst). Entries for the race are out next Tuesday.

Energumene vs Edwardstone +1

12:37 Monday

Both Energumene and Edwardstone both remain after the five-day declaration stage for the Clarence House at Ascot. However, Amarillo Sky is the only other potential runner with Fugitif, Funambule Sivola, Messire Des Obeaux, Minella Drama and Sizing Pottsie all taken out.

Andy Holding on Cheltenham dress rehearsal at Ascot

11:12 Monday

Energumene holds all the aces over Edwardstone ahead of Saturday’s Champion Chase dress rehearsal in the Clarence House at Ascot, says Andy Holding.

Holding on Energumene: "Already announcing himself as good as ever with a silky-smooth display of his seasonal bow at Cork, his preparations couldn't have gone any better and with ground conditions likely to be in his favour come the weekend, quotes around the 8/13 looks about right."

And what about Edwardstone? "He has to dust himself off after coming a cropper in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last time out and although it's highly unlikely the same will happen in successive races, it's still not ideal for his supporters."

A reminder of what to expect this week

10:30 Monday

Where next for Impaire Et Passe?

10:05 Monday

One of the biggest winners of the weekend, Impaire Et Passe, has been attracting attention in the Cheltenham ante-post markets. Here's what our experts said:

Steve Ryder (@SteveRyder13): "Impaire Et Passe provided Willie Mullins with a seventh win from the last 11 runnings of the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle. He was slightly weak in the market close to the off but backers had no worries throughout the race as he travelled and jumped beautifully. He eventually eased clear by 6 1/2 lengths and he looks the biggest danger to stablemate Facile Vega in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle."

Ryan Summerfield (@ryanOTHx) added: "I know Impaire Et Passé won over 2m3f on debut but the yard have often said with their novice hurdlers and chasers that they run in whatever races are available when they’re ready.

"He showed bundles of pace today and you could tell that the front runner couldn’t give him a toe into the race long enough. With Willie's last five Moscow Flyer winners all going for the Supreme, it’s hard to see him stepping up in trip again just yet after today's performance."

Fairyhouse fuels Triumph Hurdle market intrigue

09:30 Monday

Blood Destiny was an 8/13 winner for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend at Fairyhouse, which saw him come in from as long as 14/1 (general 12s) for the Triumph Hurdle into as short as 4/1 for the race (6/1 best through oddschecker).

Overall told us: "Blood Destiny added some intrigue to the Triumph Hurdle market with an emphatic win at Fairyhouse. He had his own way out in front, although it was impressive how he quickened clear once the field had closed the gap. 

"Perhaps the potential presence of the front running duo, Blood Destiny and Jupiter Du Gite, will be to the benefit of Gala Marceau come March; she pulled too hard in a slowly run race behind Lossiemouth on her Irish debut, yet wasn’t beaten all that far. She was well backed that day, too, and looks sure to improve for that run."

Outsider of interest in the Ultima?

08:45 Monday

Dan Overall (@OverandClear) said: "In the Classic at Warwick on Saturday, Iwilldoit ran out an impressive winner but the eye was drawn to Threeunderthrufive, who ran well for a long way before tiring into 6th. 

"Likely to be dropped a couple of pounds, he’d be of interest in the Ultima Handicap Chase (best price 25/1) as a second season chaser who ran with credit in last season’s Brown Advisory, while it’s worth noting that The Conditional (2020) and Corach Rambler (2022) ran in the Classic before winning the Ultima at Cheltenham."