Templegate. http://favourite.thesun.co.uk/

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Friday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

DONCASTER

12.30 Rainy City

1.00 Josses Hill

1.35 Some Buckle

2.05 Pepite Rose

2.40 Lord Brendy

3.15 Earth Amber

3.45 Steel Summit

HUNTINGDON

12.45 Johns Luck

1.20 Its A Sting

1.55 Merchant Of Milan

2.30 Presenting Lisa

3.05 Seventh Sky (treble)

3.35 Paddy The Deejay

LINGFIELD

1.10 Sgt Reckless

1.45 Double Heaven

2.15 Don’t Be (nb)

2.50 Artemis

3.25 Top Set

3.55 Thecornishcowboy

WOLVERHAMPTON

4.15 Tango Sky

4.45 STRATEGIC FORCE (nap)

5.15 Topaling

5.45 Freewheel

6.15 Dream And Hope

6.45 Amadeity

[Kimmy]

Mullen it over!
By STEPHEN MULLEN

SATURDAY'S TV RACES

1.55 WARWICK

IT'S A STEAL is well worth this step up in class after looking a class act in winning at Ludlow last time and here at Warwick two starts ago. Those victories both came over 2m4f but he shapes as though this longer distance will bring improvement if anything. He handles soft ground and is on the upgrade.

Deputy Dan had looked a real prospect before a couple of more modest efforts, including when third at Chepstow last time. That said, it was a fair enough run in a decent race and he would be right there if showing anything like his best form.

Sego Success went really well in winning at Wetherby last time out in late November. He relished every yard of the 3m1f trip there and will be boxing on at the end.

1. It's A Steal, 2. Deputy Dan, 3. Sego Success

2.10 KEMPTON

BALDER SUCCES looks the pick of just three runners for this decent contest. He's taking a sizeable drop in class after running in Grade 1 and 2 races lately and he was again on the premises in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last time out. This trip and track are ideal and he can get back to winning ways.

Hunt Ball looks booked for second, with Fox Appeal needing to improve to pass the other two.

1. Balder Succes, 2. Hunt Ball, 3. Fox Appeal

2.25 WARWICK

PHOENIX RETURNS has been in fine form in races like this and was an excellent winner at Carlisle last time out. He stayed the 3m1f trip really well at the stamina-sapping track and will have no problem seeing out this extra furlong in testing conditions.

Awaywiththegreys has plenty of stamina as he showed when running away with a 3m hurdle at Chepstow's Christmas meeting. He relishes heavy ground and trainer Peter Bowen is in good form.

Top Wood has dropped nicely down the weights and is interesting on this drop back into hurdles after a couple of chasing efforts, including one win. He won over timber in testing ground at Haydock earlier this year and is at home over this distance.

1. Phoenix Returns, 2. Awaywiththegreys, 3. Top Wood

2.40 KEMPTON

KILCOOLEY caught the eye of the handicapper with his 23-length win in good company at Haydock last time but a hike in the weights won't stop him from folloing up. He's ideally suited by this trip with some cut in the ground and he gets on well with his 5lb claiming rider.

Hello George has been crying out for a longer distance after a run of good efforts at around 2m. He was a staying-on sixth of 18 at Ascot last time and a repeat of that would see him right on the premises here.

Tea For Two has won three of his past four outings and was an impressive winner in maiden company at Towcester on Boxing Day. He looks on a fair weight for this first handicap run and he has solid place claims.

1. Kilcooley, 2. Hello George, 3. Tea For Two

3.00 WARWICK

SHANTOU BOB looks a standout bet after running an excellent second in this Grade 2 company at Sandown last time out. He had earlier won twice in novice company in good style, including one victory over 2m4f in testing conditions. He's shown a lot more than his rivals to date and looks the one to beat.

Anteros ran well when second in a Cheltenham Grade 2 hurdle last month and looks open to further improvement. He jumps well and this soft ground is right up his alley.

Three Musketeers won really nicely on his racecourse debut at Wetherby last time and warrants this step up in distance. This trip should be ideal and he's capable of running into a place.

1. Shantou Bob, 2. Anteros, 3. Three Musketeers

3.15 KEMPTON

CHARTREUX goes well fresh so the absence since he was last seen in May winning a big chase at Punchestown isn't a worry. He loves this trip on soft ground and is a really honest performer at this level. He's 9lb higher for that win in Ireland but that won't stop him being competitive here.

Open Hearted may have finished last at Exeter last time but he was less than four lengths behind the useful Mr Mole so it can still be considered a good run. He's suited by conditions and won't be far off the pace again.

Midnight Appeal is a regular in the frame at this sort of level and comes here on the back of a good fourth at Newbury last time out. He jumps well and likes this ground so should give his running.

1. Chartreux, 2. Open Hearted, 3. Midnight Appeal

3.35 WARWICK

WEST END ROCKER is a veteran in age terms but he has relatively few miles on the clock and was a game winner at Lingfield last time out. A 4lb hike in the weights for that victory looks fair enough and he's proven over this trip and track.

Hawkes Point ran no sort of race in the Welsh Grand National last time but had earlier gone well in third at the same track and is a decent performer in these staying races. He likes give in the ground and could well bounce back.

Shotgun Paddy is another who struggled in Wales last time but he won this race well 12 months ago and is a mere 2lb higher in the weights today. He handles conditions and should be thereabouts.

1. West End Rocker, 2. Hawkes Point, 3. Shotgun Paddy

KEMPTON

12:25 Officer Drivel

1:00 Lost Legend

1:35 Come On Laurie

3:45 The Green Ogre

LINGFIELD

12:20 Sinema

12:55 Inexorable Tide

1:30 Lujeanie

2:05 Wrood

2:35 Captain Joy

3:10 Royal Albert Hall

3:40 Rakaan

WARWICK

12:45 Avel Vor

1:20 Greywell Boy

4:05 Copper Kay

WETHERBY

12:35 Kylemore Lough

1:10 Red Devil Boys

1:45 Rayadour

2:15 Gardefort

2.50 Attwaal

3:25 My Idea

3:55 Tara The Tiger

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Monday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

PLUMPTON

1.20 Ryeolliewan

1.55 Bravo Riquet

2.30 Bally Sands (nb)

3.05 Tigre d'Aron

3.35 Extreme Impact

4.05 Nouailhas

WOLVERHAMPTON

2.20 Yair Hill

2.55 HAAF A SIXPENCE (nap)

3.25 China Excels

3.55 Equita

4.25 Diminutive

4.55 Cape Cay

5.25 Dutch Uncle

5.55 Oratorio's Joy

HAAF A SIXPENCE (nap) can win us a few quid in the 2.55 at Wolverhampton. He showed promise last time on his second run back after an absence and he is very well treated on his old form.

BALLY SANDS (2.30 Plumpton, nb) would surely have won at Ludlow last week if his amateur rider had not tried to take the wrong course. Off the same mark and with Tom Scudamore booked he can gain compensation.

ORATORIO'S JOY (5.55 Wolverhampton, treble) has a fine record at the track and is competitively weighted in what looks an ordinary race.

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Tuesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

FAKENHAM

1.05 Zip Top

1.35 A Boy Named Suzi

2.05 Rendezvous Peak

2.40 Midnight Charmer (treble)

3.15 Vision Du Coeur

3.50 Shinooki

SOUTHWELL

1.15 Novalist

1.45 EIUM MAC (nap)

2.15 Excelling Oscar

2.50 Seychelloise

3.25 Extreme Supreme

4.00 Different Scenario (nb)

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Wednesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

KEMPTON

4.35 See No Ships

5.10 Presumido

5.40 Thomas Blossom

6.10 Hill Of Dreams (treble)

6.40 Hawkesbury

7.10 Skidby Mill

LINGFIELD

12.50 La Estrella

1.20 Paris Carver

1.55 Sculptured

2.25 Nancy Astor

3.00 Peterhouse

3.35 Clear Praise

4.10 Black Dave

NEWBURY

1.10 Norse Legend

1.45 Top Gamble

2.15 Sugar Baron

2.50 RUSSE BLANC (nap)

3.25 Gabriella Rose

4.00 Might Bite

NEWCASTLE

12.30 Jack Steel

1.00 Gingili

1.35 Uno Valoroso

2.05 Avidity

2.40 Steel Summit

3.15 Habbie Simpson (nb)

3.50 Kilas Girl

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Thursday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

GREAT CHOICE (nap) is the right decision for Wincanton’s 1.30.

He showed plenty of promise last season and ran a blinder on his handicap debut when making his comeback at Cheltenham in November. The form has worked out well and the return to today’s longer distance will be ideal.

ELHAAM (5.00 Wolverhampton, nb) won over this distance at Lingfield in November and she showed she has no problem with today’s surface when third over course and distance last week. A slow start did not help her that day and she looks weighted to strike.

BALLYHOLLOW (2.25 Ludlow, treble) had some decent form in bumpers. She ran her best hurdles race when chasing home useful Tara Mist at this track last month when upped to 2m5f. This even longer trip will be ideal.

Ludlow

1.20 McCabe Creek

1.55 Royal Palladium

2.25 Ballyhollow (treble)

3.00 Doyly Carte

3.30 Scorpiancer

4.00 Cassie

Market Rasen

1.10 Novirak

1.45 Favourite Girl

2.15 Chicoria

2.50 Big Water

3.20 Ultimatum Du Roy

3.50 Running Wolf

Wincanton

1.30 Great Choice (nap)

2.05 Ultragold

2.35 Saroque

3.10 Sea Wall

3.40 Quite By Chance

4.10 Vivant Poeme

Wolverhampton

4.25 Blhadawa

5.00 Elhaam (nb)

5.35 Street Artist

6.10 Naval Action

6.40 Berlusca

7.10 Erelight

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Friday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

PROFIT from ARISTO DU PLESSIS (nap) in Musselburgh’s 1.10.

He has been progressing in novices’ hurdles and ran his best race so far when a close fourth in a good Catterick contest on New Year’s Day.

The handicapper could have been much more severe and the softer ground should suit him.

STONEFIELD FLYER (3.30 Lingfield, nb) won a Kempton handicap in November and has twice gone close since.

The drop in grade should do the trick.

CLUB HOUSE (2.25 Lingfield, treble) is well weighted on his course-and-distance success last year.

He ran a remarkable race under an inexperienced apprentice at this track last month.

Despite badly missing the break he looked likely to score for much of the straight before his early exertions took their toll.

That proves he’s back in form.

Lingfield

12.50 Artist Cry

1.20 Hill Fort

1.50 Precision Five

2.25 Club House (treble)

2.55 Anglophile

3.30 Stonefield Flyer (nb)

4.00 Shadarpour

Musselburgh

12.40 Beau Dandy

1.10 Aristo Du Plessis (nap)

1.40 Samedi Soir

2.10 It’s High Time

2.45 Riskier

3.20 Allez Cool

3.50 Catching Shadows

Wolverhampton

4.15 Singing Star

4.45 Pim Street

5.15 Solar Deity

5.45 John Coffey

6.15 Biting Bullets

6.45 Symbolic Star

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Saturday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

COR blimey, I’ve got a good bet for Haydock’s Peter Marsh Chase (3.15).

CORRIN WOOD is a cracking staying chaser and his sound jumping will always be an asset in this type of contest.

He developed into a smart novice last season winning his first three starts over fences before going off at a suicidal pace in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

His third behind Dolatulo at Wetherby on Boxing Day was a good effort and he should be spot on for today.

There’s a chance Donald McCain’s hope could get his own way out in front and this powerful galloper should be hard to catch.

Benbens is the one I fear most. He failed to truly stay when fifth in the Welsh National at Chepstow over Christmas so the return to today’s distance will help.

Shangani was flattered by the short-head distance he went down to Ballinvarrig at Kempton last time.

I’m still not convinced about his stamina.

No Planning won at this track in April and it was good to see him make a winning return over hurdles on Boxing Day.

He should go well.

Broadway Buffalo beat Toby Lerone in the Tommy Whittle at this track in December and it wasn’t a surprise to see him well beaten at Wetherby just six days later.

He probably needs everything to go his way which doesn’t happen often.

ALL the talk has to stop and it’s time for SPRINTER SACRE to show how good he is in the Sodexo Clarence House Chase (3.00) at Ascot.

He would not have to be anywhere near his brilliant best to make a winning return after being kept off the track for more than a year by heart problems.

And with all the rumours surrounding the 2013 Champion Chaser, his odds make him worth a punt.

1.50 ASC:

BITOFAPUZZLE is the solution to this contest. She was unbeaten in three bumpers and made a winning hurdles debut on unsuitably fast ground.

It was no disgrace to go down by a neck to smart The Pirate’s Queen at Haydock just before Christmas and we are likely to see the best of Bitofapuzzle now she steps up to three miles for the first time.

Last year’s runner-up Carole’s Spirit has won all four of her other hurdles starts.

She got a soft lead when scoring on her reappearance at Kempton in November and the 5lbs she has to give away to the rest of the field makes life tricky.

I’m not convinced Mischievous Milly wants today’s longer trip but dour stayer Molly’s A Diva should reward each-way punters on ground that suits.

2.05 HAY:

It’s impossible to oppose THE NEW ONE.

He’s unbeaten in four races since finishing an unlucky third in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

He has to give 8lbs to all his rivals but there is nothing in this field anywhere near his class.

And giving weight away didn’t stop him easily seeing off Vaniteux in the Standjames.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stable star looks the biggest threat to Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle and should head to the Festival with another win under his girth.

Bertimont was no match for The New One at Cheltenham last time but he could easily chase home the hot favourite today such is the strength of opposition.

2.25 ASC:

GARDE LA VICTOIRE is the class act in this race. He saw off smart Vaniteux to land Cheltenham’s Greatwood Hurdle in November and he ran a sound race in the Ladbroke at this course last month.

Top weight is a hefty anchor but he is unbeaten in two starts at around this trip and clearly sets the standard.

My fancy is vulnerable to well-handicap rivals so French imports Le Mercurey and Willem have to be respected.

But it would be pure guesswork to suggest they are capable of winning a race like this.

Abracadabra Sivola made little impression when tried over fences in France but his win at Haydock last season makes him of interest.

His return to hurdles last time was not a bad effort and Devon trainer Nick Williams has his team in top form.

Lyvius is not the most reliable but Sandown scorer Rayvin Black is a danger off a low weight.

2.40 HAY:

I want some Mor.

CARRAIG MOR has had more downs than ups since making a stunning hurdles debut at Uttoxeter early last season.

But he remains a horse with serious potential and his defeat of top prospect Southfield Theatre at Newbury in November shows what he’s capable of.

He was helping set a strong pace when unseating in the Kauto Star Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and the drop from three miles could suit him.

Third Intention is best off at the weights.

He thrashed Mwaleshi over two miles at this track in November but he’s never been the most reliable.

Mwaleshi has stamina to prove, while Wings Of Smoke – a winner here in May – is a tricky customer.

3.00 ASC:

SPRINTER SCARE makes his long-awaited return to the track after suffering heart problems.

I would normally be keen to take on such a horse but Nicky Henderson’s superstar is a backable price at around evens.

He would not have to be at his brilliant best to make a winning comeback from just over a year off the course.

Before pulling up at Kempton last Christmas he had won all ten of his previous chases and has not been sent off odds against since beating Peddlers Cross at Kempton more than three years ago.

There’s a chance he could bomb out but he is priced up accordingly.

Dodging Bullets would be the most likely beneficiary if Sprinter Sacre were to flop.

He saw off Somersby in horrible ground at Sandown to land the Tingle Creek last month.

But he seems one of the best of an ordinary bunch of two-mile chasers.

Irish raider Twinlight has plenty to find despite posting a personal best to land a Leopardstown Grade 1 over Christmas.

3.15 HAY:

CORRIN WOOD should win the slog through the mud in the Peter Marsh Chase.

COR blimey, I have a good bet for Haydock’s Peter Marsh Chase (3.15).

CORRIN WOOD is a cracking staying chaser and his sound jumping will always be an asset.

He developed into a smart novice last season, winning his first three over fences before going off at a suicidal pace in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

His third behind Dolatulo at Wetherby on Boxing Day was a good effort and he should be spot on today.

Donald McCain’s hope could get his own way out in front and would be hard to catch.

Benbens is the one I fear. He failed to truly stay when fifth in the Welsh National so the return to today’s distance will help.

Shangani was flattered by the short-head he went down to Ballinvarrig at Kempton last time. I’m still not convinced about his stamina.

No Planning won here in April and made a winning return over hurdles.

3.35 ASC:

Have a Ball in this competitive handicap.

BALLINVARRIG has been running over three miles this season but – despite clinging on to victory at Kempton last time – I’m sure he is better over today’s shorter distance.

He likes testing ground and there’s every chance he’s still nicely weighted.

Niceonefrankie is sure to be popular.

He’s been successful on both previous visits to this track and he blitzed a good field to land Cheltenham Caspian Caviar Gold Cup last month.

A 7lbs rise is fair but he did have a hard race that day and that is a concern.

Rebel Rebellion is potentially well weighted but he comes here after a disappointing display at Wincanton two weeks ago.

Cedre Bleu has lost the will to win but top weight Fox Appeal has been running with credit in better races than this.

Ascot

12.40 Top Notch

1.15 Village Vic (nap)

1.50 Bitofapuzzle

2.25 Garde Le Victoire

3.00 Sprinter Sacre

3.35 Ballinvarrig (nb)

4.05 Out Sam

Haydock

12.20 Araldur

12.55 Close Touch

1.30 Aso

2.05 The New One

2.40 Carraig Mor

3.15 Corrin Wood

3.50 Subtle Grey

Lingfield

12.50 Crakehall Lad

1.25 Rockfast

2.00 Baddilini

2.35 Melvin The Grate (treble)

3.10 Shamahan

3.45 Light Of The World

Taunton

1.05 Mount Haven

1.40 Capilla

2.15 Candide

2.50 Oscar Sunset

3.25 Fayette County

3.55 Whats Left

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Sunday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

NEWMARKET trainer Stuart Williams looks set for a good day at Kempton.

He’s been firing in the winners in recent weeks and his TYCHAIOS (2.05, nap) should add to the tally. .

My fancy is unexposed over today’s distance and he’s run well over six furlongs on his last two starts.

Williams should also hit the target with TSARGLAS (4.35 Kempton, nb).

He has won both starts when wearing a visor and looks better than this grade.

EVIDENT (3.05 Kempton, treble) scored over course and distance when dropped to six furlongs for the first time.

He has more to offer now Warwickshire trainer Tony Carroll has found the key to him.

Kempton

1.05 Wedgewood Estates

1.35 Hardy Black

2.05 Tychaios (nap)

2.35 Rock Charm

3.05 Evident (treble)

3.35 Boom The Groom

4.05 Aldeburgh

4.35 Tsarglas (nb)

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Tuesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

IT should be game, set and match to DEUCE AGAIN (nap) in Southwell’s 3.05.

She could not have won any easier at this track earlier in the month.

Although that maiden was not strong, her earlier turf form suggests she could be well handicapped.

SAIL BY THE SEA (2.20 Leicester, nb) made a promising chase debut behind smart Grumeti at Plumpton last time.

He should develop into a smart chaser.

WOOLFALL SOVEREIGN (2.30 Southwell, treble) stormed home to land a course-and-distance conditions contest he had no right to win on official ratings on New Year’s Day.

He’s still well weighted on his best form and he’s copped a decent draw.

Leicester

1.15 Becausehesaidso

1.50 Murrayana

2.20 Sail By The Sea (nb)

2.55 Take The Mick

3.25 Dolores Delightful

4.00 Home For Tea

Southwell

1.25 Dubawi Diamond

2.00 Falcon’s Reign

2.30 Woolfall Sovereign (treble)

3.05 Deuce Again (nap)

3.35 Thorpe Bay

4.10 Cadeaux Pearl

Wetherby

12.35 Devilment

1.05 Casual Cavalier

1.40 Bennys Well

2.10 Basford Ben

2.45 Tutchec

3.15 Ozzy Thomas

3.50 Kilkenny Kim

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Wednesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

BERTIE BLU BOY (nap) should blast his rivals away in Lingfield’s 4.05.

He goes off fast a dares the opposition to catch him.

They couldn’t do it in this race 12 months ago when he scored the first of a hat-trick of wins. He’s well weighted on his best form.

GRATE FELLA (3.10 Catterick, nb) has won on both his previous visits to this track.

He was out of his depth at Haydock last time and makes his handicap chase debut with Yorkshire trainer Sue Smith in top form.

FRANCO’S SECRET (3.35 Lingfield, treble) has a vicious turn of pace when given even a fair pace to run at.

He was unlucky to dead-heat over track and trip last month and again came home well when narrowly denied at Kempton last time.

There’s every chance he’ll get a decent gallop today.

Ayr

12.40 Premier Grand Cru

1.15 Streets Of Promise

1.50 Present Flight

2.20 Island Heights

2.50 Too Cool To Fool

3.25 No Through Road

3.55 Kilkenny Kim

Catterick

1.00 Desilvano

1.35 Runswick Days

2.10 Yorkist

2.40 Conquisto

3.10 Grate Fella (nb)

3.40 Made Of Diamonds

Kempton

4.30 Littlecote Lady

5.00 Hollie Point

5.30 Buckenhill

6.00 Bowsers Bold

6.30 Harry Hurricane

7.00 Medicean Melody

7.30 Overrider

8.00 Eastward Ho

Lingfield

12.50 Violet Dancer

1.25 Golly Miss Molly

2.00 Cooper

2.30 Mr Bossy Boots

3.00 Anglophile

3.35 Franco’s Secret (treble)

4.05 Bertie Blu Boy (nap)

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Thursday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

I’M hoping to reign Supreme in Southwell’s 2.10.

EXTREME SUPREME (nap) won twice over course and distance before a slow start ended his hat-trick attempt last week. That was still a decent effort to recover to chase home useful Scarborough and he’s got the best of the draw today.

GOODTOKNOW (2.20 Warwick, nb) likes testing ground and there was a lot to like about his recent Bangor second over 2m4f. This longer distance suits him better and he’s sure to improve for that effot.

CAPTAIN FUTURE (2.40 Southwell, treble) ran his best race yet when switched to handicaps at Wolverhampton earlier in the month. The blinkers he wore that day are on again and he’s bred to love the switch to this different all-weather surface.

Chelmsford

4.40 Special Code

5.10 Royal Battalion

5.40 Diamond Lady

6.10 It Must Be Faith

6.40 Gracefilly

7.10 Majeyda

7.40 Keep Kicking

Fakenham

1.30 Rathlin Rose

2.00 Running Wolf

2.30 Shinooki

3.00 Twentytwo’s Taken

3.30 Alright Benny

4.00 Nellie The Elegant

Southwell

1.40 Come Uppence

2.10 Extreme Supreme (nap)

2.40 Captain Future (treble)

3.10 Turning Times

3.40 Queen Of Skies

4.10 Different Scenario

Warwick

1.50 Mantou

2.20 Goodtoknow (nb)

2.50 Vandross

3.20 Abigail Lynch

3.50 Teaforthree

4.20 Royal Vacation

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Saturday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

DYNASTE should give his Gold Cup chance a boost in the BetBright Chase (1.50) at Cheltenham.

David Pipe’s ace is a class act and has a decent course record. He’s been beaten by Gold Cup favourite Silviniaco Conti on four of his last five starts but he won the other when landing the Ryanair Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival.

That was the latest in a string of good runs at this track and he showed he has the stamina for this trip when storming home to finish runner-up in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Last year’s winner The Giant Bolster has become a tricky old character but there’s no doubt he’s much better at this track than anywhere else.

He’s attempting to win at this meeting for an incredible fourth year in succession and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he pulled it off.

Many Clouds showed he’s up to this class when gamely landing the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November, when Smad Place was well held in fifth.

Oliver Sherwood’s ace will love the testing ground and would appreciate it if it turned into a slog.

Sandown scorer Black Thunder will have no problem with the conditions but he needs to prove he’s up to this class.



PUT all your eggs in EASTER DAY’s basket in the Skybet Chase at Doncaster (3.15).

He was a decent novice last season and he made a promising return after a year off the track at Newbury last month. There are plenty of reasons to think he’s really well handicapped.

1.50 CHE:

DYNASTE can shine in the BetBright Cup.

2.05 DON:

The Irish raiders look to have this mares’ contest stitched up. Injury cut short last term for ANALIFET but she still managed to notch a brace of victories.

This season hasn’t gone to plan as she went off too fast on her reappearance and then fell two from home when coming with her challenge at Leopardstown over Christmas.

She would have gone close that day and as Princess Leya finished runner-up it’s safe to assume there’s not an awful lot between the pair.

But that race was over 2m4f and the drop in distance is likely to suit ex-French Analifet much better.

Promising novice Nyanza could be best of the British runners.

2.25 CHE:

DARE ME should accept this challenge. He might have just turned 11 but he hasn’t had much racing.

It also doesn’t worry me he’s been off since April – in fact it’s in his favour.

He has an exceptional record when fresh and won by 14 lengths on his return to action around this time last season.

Although my fancy is much higher in the weights now, he doesn’t face any young progressive rivals.

It’s also good to see Herefordshire trainer Venetia Williams banging in the winners like she does most Januarys.

Annacotty still has potential but he hasn’t shown much since finishing second in the novices’ handicap on this card 12 months ago.

Walkon is well weighted on his best form. He has been unlucky to be runner-up in some of the most competitive handicaps around – two at this track – but there’s a chance he’s not as good as he was after suffering an injury in last year’s Grand National.

Sew On Target came good at this track in December but he is probably better at two miles.

2.40 DON:

BLAKLION is ready to roar again.

He ran a belter in Newbury’s 2m5f Challow Hurdle over Christmas but there’s little doubt he’s better over today’s distance.

His destruction of a decent field at Cheltenham last month was a splendid effort and he should still be improving.

Caracci Apache has looked smart in twice winning over shorter. But any stamina doubts will be exposed by Blaklion.

Binge Drinker was way below form when behind my fancy at Cheltenham but he still needs to prove he’s up to this level.

3.00 CHE:

Take a Risk in this hot novices’ hurdle.

VALUE AT RISK looked really smart when destroying a decent field at Newbury on hurdles debut.

The form has worked out well and this smart ex-Irish bumper performer could easily improve for his first run for Dan Skelton.

Stilletto was also impressive on his first try at hurdling but he might be found out against some much more experienced rivals.

Some Buckle was too keen when mugged on the line at Newcastle.

He remains a good prospect, while smart chaser Present View has the class to be involved.

Vago Collonges is another who can spoil his chance by pulling hard.

He could easily be better than he has shown and now wears a tongue tie for the first time.

3.15 DON:

Make it a good Saturday by backing EASTER DAY.

He’s really well weighted on his defeat of subsequent RSA Chase hero O’Faolains Boy at Ascot last season and there was nothing wrong with his comeback run at Newbury behind a couple of race-fit in-form rivals.

Paul Nicholls’ hope is unexposed and should thrive over three miles.

It’s really clicked for Grandads Horse in recent starts.

He saw off Night In Milan over course and distance last month and he’s always looked like a horse capable of lifting a race like this.

Royal Player is a young, progressive chaser and they are always dangerous in hot handicaps.

3.35 CHE:

It’s time for UN TEMPS POUR TOUT to show what he can do.

We’ve not seen him on the track since last spring at the Punchestown Festival. He only finished third in a handicap but that was a smart effort giving lumps of weight away.

But it’s his 16-length thrashing of Cole Harden at Ascot in February that really catches the eye.

The runner-up might not have been at his best that day but it was still a really impressive performance.

Although he’s not run this season there is rearely any fitness worries with David Pipe’s runners.

Saphir Du Rheu has been more miss than hit over fences this season.

But he remains a fantastic prospect and was a hugely progressive hurdler last season.

My only worry is the step up the three miles.

Although there’s every chance he’ll stay this could be a real test of stamina and I’m not willing to take a short price about a horse with those doubts.

Dour stayer Reve De Sivola has no worries on that score.

He landed Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle for a third time just before Christmas with a game defeat of Zarkandar.

Nick Williams’ ace won this race two years ago and he’s sure to give it another good go.

Cheltenham

12.40 Peace And Co

1.15 Stellar Notion (nb)

1.50 Dynaste

2.25 Dare Me (nap)

3.00 Value At Risk

3.35 Un Temps Pour Tout

4.10 Dell’ Arca

Doncaster

12.25 Ink Master

12.55 Three Kingdoms

1.30 Runswick Royal

2.05 Analifet

2.40 Blaklion (treble)

3.15 Easter Day

3.50 Mardale

Lingfield

12.50 Belrog

1.25 Lujeanie

2.00 Pathway To Honour

2.35 Bridie French

3.10 Razor Wind

3.45 Blue Aegean

4.20 Kyllarney

Uttoxeter

1.05 Matserplan

1.40 Trafficker

2.15 Bladoun

2.50 Our Cat

3.25 Less Time

4.00 Moving Waves

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Tuesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

THIRD ACT (nap) should take centre stage in the 3.00 at Taunton.

He was smart in bumpers and showed plenty of promise over hurdles. But Dorset trainer Colin Tizzard has wasted no time in sending him over fences.

He was outclassed in a hot Exeter contest on his chase debut but he looks well weighted for his handicap debut.

SAMTU (1.35 Southwell, nb) had some decent form when with Clive Brittain.

He has switched to shrewd Yorkshire trainer Brian Ellison and he is bred to be suited by today’s all-weather surface.

MILOSAM (4.00 Taunton, treble) loves this track. He’s won four times from six visits and has been running well enough this season to expect him to make a winning return to his favourite course.

Southwell

1.35 Samtu (nb)

2.10 Abi Scarlet

2.40 Tartan Trip

3.10 Reetaj

3.40 With Hindsight

4.10 Risk ‘N’ Reward

Taunton

1.30 Dancing Solo

2.00 Kingfisher Creek

2.30 Remiluc

3.00 Third Act (nap)

3.30 Raven’s Tower

4.00 Milosam (treble)

4.30 Un Bleu A L’Aam

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Wednesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

I’M banking on Nigel Twiston-Davies having a good day at Leicester.

He saddles ALGERNON PAZHAM (3.00, nap) for his chasing debut after nearly a year off the track.

But fitness is rarely a worry with Twiston-Davies’ runners and this consistent six-year-old was progressive over hurdles last season.

The Cotswolds trainer should also strike with ALLTHEGEAR NO IDEA (3.30, nb).

He scored at Lingfield in November after spending more than two years on the sidelines and was far from disgraced on his latest start.

The step up in distance is just what he wants.

DAN EMMETT (3.50 Newcastle, treble) ran a blinder on his hurdles debut at Wetherby.

This contest does not look as tough.

Chelmsford

1.40 Twin Turbo

2.10 Jack Of Diamonds

2.40 Flighty Clarets

3.10 Pretend

3.40 Willie Wag Tail

4.10 Vosne Romanee

Kempton

4.45 Just Rubie

5.15 Golly Miss Molly

5.45 Ernest

6.15 Drive On

6.45 Greatest Journey

7.15 Optimystic

Leicester

2.00 Millicent Silver

2.30 Pandorica

3.00 Algernon Pazham (nap)

3.30 Allthegear No Idea (nb)

4.00 King Of Glory

4.30 Sambulando

Newcastle

1.50 Fascino Rustico

2.20 No Through Road

2.50 Macgillycuddy

3.20 Up And Go

3.50 Dan Emmett (treble)

4.20 High Bridge

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Thursday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

BANG the Drum in Wincanton’s 3.10.

DRUMSHAMBO (nap) is well weighted on his Ascot win last season. The form of his third to Niceonefrankie in November has worked out really well and it’s no problem he hasn’t been seen since as he has won when fresh.

BROOK (1.40 Wincanton, nb) ran with promise in a hot juvenile contest at Chepstow on his British debut. He had little trouble scoring at Newbury two weeks ago and his weight allowance will come in handy.

SELLINGALLTHETIME (3.30 Southwell, treble) won by nine lengths at this track last summer and went on to run some sound races on turf. He’s been off since September but I’m not worried about fitness with Nottinghamshire trainer Mick Appleby firing in the winners.

Southwell

2.00 Electric Qatar

2.30 Risk ‘N’ Reward

3.00 The Lock Master

3.30 Sellingallthetime (treble)

4.00 Royal Holiday

4.30 Khajaaly

Towcester

1.50 Dusky Legend

2.20 Herecomesthehollow

2.50 Santa’s Secret

3.20 Twelve Strings

3.50 Carhue Princess

4.20 Premier Bond

Wincanton

1.40 Brook (nb)

2.10 Crookstown

2.40 She’s Da One

3.10 Drumshambo (nap)

3.40 Earthmoves

4.10 Pacha Du Polder

4.40 Look West

Wolverhampton

5.35 Cathedral

6.10 Ziggys Star

6.40 Howz The Family

7.10 Light Of The World

7.40 Rich Again

8.10 Gracefilly

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Friday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

SALUTE the Captain in Wolverhampton’s 7.15.

CAPTAIN WHOOSH (nap) had some good sprint form when trained by Tom Dascombe. He probably should have made a winning debut for John Quinn over track and trip last time but he found traffic problems at crucial stages. Compensation awaits.

THE WEE CHIEF (2.35 Lingfield, nb) has never raced in a grade this low and he has a decent record on the all-weather. He often runs well fresh and Wiltshire trainer Jimmy Fox has his small team in great form.

GUNNA BE A DEVIL (4.05 Chepstow, treble) is weighted to win on his Warwick Hurdles success last season. He ran well over 2m4f at Wincanton last time and he should be spot on for today’s return to a more suitable distance.

Catterick

1.10 Moyacomb

1.40 Frederic

2.10 Mwangaza

2.45 Definitely Red

3.20 Spirit D’Armor

3.55 Russborough

4.25 Simmply Sam

Chepstow

1.20 Oh So Fruity

1.50 Sail By The Sea

2.20 Mackerye End

2.55 Eastern Witness

3.30 Queen’s Star

4.05 Gunna Be A Devil (treble)

4.35 Amber Gambler

Lingfield

1.00 Tarooq

1.30 Uganda Glory

2.00 Prussian Blue

2.35 The Wee Chief (nb)

3.10 Mojawiz

3.45 Vejovis

4.15 Stag Hill

Wolverhampton

4.45 Keep To The Beat

5.15 Ghosting

5.45 Vivat Rex

6.15 Water Dancer

6.45 Reggie Bond

7.15 Captain Whoosh (nap)

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Saturday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

TAKE the right turn in Sandown’s Betfred Mobile Heroes Hurdle (3.00) and back JUNCTION FOURTEEN to lift the pot.

Emma Lavelle’s hope won twice last season before running with credit in hot contests.

He’s been gradually coming to the boil this term and his fourth to well-handicapped Batavir at Wincanton was a good effort.

A mistake three from home did not help him and today’s stiffer track will suit this strong stayer.

Improving Polamco has an obvious chance.

He followed up his handicap debut success at Wincanton by gamely seeing off Morito Du Berlais and Saffron Wells at Newbury.

The only slight worry for Dorset trainer Harry Fry’s progressive novice is the ground.

I have a feeling he’s better on a decent surface and – despite the drying conditions – the going on Sandown’s hurdle course can get very sticky.

Mijhaar – a Listed winner on the Flat – has the talent to take this.

But John Ferguson’s hope has not won since his hurdles debut early last season and the longer trip is also a concern.

Cadoudoff is without a win since arriving from France but he has been runner-up four times.

That just means he’s climbing the weights without scoring and that makes life difficult.

Imperial Leader was mostly disappointing last season but Anteros has been running well in hot novice races.

PUFFIN BILLY should steam home in the Betway Welsh Champion Hurdle (2.05) at Ffos Las.

He took a crashing fall over fences last time but he had previously won easily at Ascot. The return to hurdles doesn’t bother me as he has plenty of form over the smaller obstacles and is well weighted on his smart novice form.

1.50 SAN:

Don’t lay BRICK RED.

He’s come up against smart reformed character Mr Mole on his last two starts – including when making Paul Nicholls’ ace work over track and trip last time.

The handicapper has been kind enough not to put him up so we should take advantage.

Ballygarvey returned from more than a year off the track to beat Ulck Du Lin at Ascot last time.

Whether he can back that effort up remains to be seen.

Ulck Du Lin seems to like Ascot so it’s hard to expect much improvement from that effort.

Course winner Greywell Boy just isn’t reliable enough but useful veteran French Opera will like the drying ground.

2.05 FFOS:

PUFFIN BILLY can leave the bookies gasping for air. He missed most of last season but was a useful novice a couple of years ago.

His fifth behind Champagne Fever in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival showed what sort of level he was operating at.

The switch to fences looked to be going well when he scored at Ascot in November but he took a crunching fall last time.

If he has recovered from that nasty experience he must have a great chance.

Silsol completed a hat-trick of wins on his return to action at Newbury in November.

It was no disgrace to come up short against former Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby last time but top weight means he needs another personal best.

Kayf Moss will love the testing conditions, while promising novices Taj Badalandabad and A Doll In Milan could make their light weights pay.

Smooth Taunton scorer Oscar Sunset is another in with a shout.

2.25 SAN:

There’s nothing daft about backing IRISH SAINT in the Scilly Isles Chase.

He easily saw off reliable Chris Pea Green over course and distance in November before finding this trip too sharp when upped in grade behind smart stablemate Vibrato Valtat.

The step up to 2m5f saw him take apart a decent field at Ascot and he can continue his progress over this distance.

Champagne West has taken well to fences and he twice won nicely at Cheltenham.

It was no disgrace to find smart Ptit Zig too good last time and he remains a threat.

Splash Of Ginge was a mile behind Champagne West in November but that clearly wasn’t his form.

He won a good handicap at Cheltenham last time but he still needs to show he has what it takes to mix it with the top novices.

Grumeti was a good hurdler and he’s won two of his three chase starts.

If the cheekpieces have a positive affect he should be involved in the finish.

2.40 FFOS:

This is going to be a dour slog.

ZIGA BOY looked packed with stamina when scoring at Wincanton early last month.

He was travelling strongly when unseating at Newbury last time and I’m convinced he is nicely weighted.

Although his win came on decent ground he has run well in testing conditions.

Global Power stays really well and will like the going, while top weight Firebird Flyer has a good record at this track.

Smiles For Miles has been transformed by blinkers and he is sure to go close if he stays the extra distance.

3.00 SAN:

JUNCTION FOURTEEN is the right way to go.

3.20 WET:

RETURN SPRING should bounce back to form.

Philip Hobbs’ strong stayer beat subsequent dual scorer Highland Retreat and Kaki De La Pree at Exeter in November before running a sound race behind top novice Kings Palace at Cheltenham.

He found it all too much against more experienced rivals in Warwick’s Classic Chase and this should suit him much better.

Ned Stark was well weighted when landing a brace of handicaps in November and it was no surprise to see him struggle against classy Ptit Zig.

He is another who will like this easier opposition.

Progressive Straidnahanna and promising mares Tonvadosa and Top Totti all have place claims.

3.35 SAN:

BERTIE BORU should have this lot in allsorts of trouble.

He allowed an on-song Unioniste to get first run on him over track and trip last time and I’m sure we’ve not seen the best of Philip Hobbs’ hope.

Both his wins this season have come over shorter but he stays well and could easily improve over this trip.

It’s incredible that Nicky Henderson has saddled just four chase winners since the start of October.

His Hadrian’s Approach landed the big end-of-season Bet365 Gold Cup at this track last year.

But his jumping has never been the best and he is vulnerable to something lower down the weights.

Le Reve, Via Sundown and Theatrical Star are more of a threat.

Ffos Las

12.55 Souriyan

1.30 Key To The West

2.05 Puffin Billy

2.40 Ziga Boy (nb)

3.10 Heath Hunter

3.45 Wild Rover

4.20 Captain McGinley

Lingfield

1.10 Inexorable Tide

1.45 Middle England

2.20 Lujeanie

2.55 Mindurownbusiness (treble)

3.30 Gold Trail

4.05 Bookmaker

Sandown

12.40 Pain Au Chocolat

1.15 Bristol De Mai

1.50 Brick Red

2.25 Irish Saint

3.00 Junction Fourteen

3.35 Bertie Boru (nap)

4.10 Amidon

Wetherby

1.00 Kashstaree

1.35 Kylemore Lough

2.10 Firth Of The Clyde

2.45 Seriendschock

3.20 Return Spring

3.55 Junior

4.30 Rinnca Fada

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Tuesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

GO the full monty with WELEASE BWIAN (nap) in Kempton’s 4.55.

He’s always had stacks of ability but he does need things to drop right.

With Pearl Noir in the field he’ll get the strong pace he likes and his trainer Stuart Williams is in good form.

His latest win just before Christmas came over course and distance and the form has worked out well.

CHILDESPLAY (2.10 Kempton, nb) has shown plenty of promise in maidens and handicaps.

The step up to a mile should do the trick.

VIVA VERGLAS (3.35 Southwell, treble) was touched off over track and trip over Christmas.

He looks to be well weighted returned to this surface with the blinkers back on.

Kempton

2.10 Childesplay (nb)

2.45 Virtual Reality

3.15 Novel Dancer

3.50 Packed House

4.25 The Dapper Tapper

4.55 Welease Bwian (nap)

Southwell

1.55 Cherry Tiger

2.30 Katie Gale

3.00 Longside

3.35 Viva Verglas (treble)

4.05 Activation

4.40 Artist Cry

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Wednesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

TUCK into a tasty treat with an EXCEEDINGLY (nap) good bet in Kempton’s 3.10.

Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell’s filly showed some decent speed at Chelmsford last time but just help set the race up for some useful sprinters.

The drop in class should do the trick and she has cheekpieces on for the first time.

PLAISIR (3.05 Chelmsford, nb) has been performing well in maidens over seven furlongs and looks fairly weighted for her handicap debut.

The extra furlong should help.

ORATORIO’S JOY (4.40 Chelmsford, treble) has only been beaten a neck in her last two starts.

Her latest effort over track and trip was particularly good as the winner got the run of the race out in front.

Chelmsford

2.00 Rockfast

2.30 India’s Song

3.05 Plaisir (nb)

3.40 Squats

4.10 Black Iceman

4.40 Oratorio’s Joy (treble)

Kempton

2.05 Studfarmer

2.35 Happy Jack

3.10 Exceedingly (nap)

3.45 Falconize

4.15 Consortium

4.45 Loyalty

5.15 Inauguration

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Thursday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

IT’S going to be Nordic at Huntingdon. And the chilly weather isn’t the only thing putting the freeze on the bookies.

NORDIC NYMPH (1.55, nap) is a young stayer going places. She has ground out a brace of wins since switching to handicaps and she should complete the hat-trick with the extra two furlongs in her favour.

AMANTO (3.45 Taunton, nb) ran a belter when third in a novices’ hurdle over course and distance over Christmas. The pair that finished in front of him have both won since and he looks well weighted for his handicap debut.

MILLY’S SECRET (8.10 Chelmsford, treble) has improved since fitted with a hood and the switch to this surface could do the trick after twice running well at Wolverhampton.

Chelmsford

5.35 Soft Love

6.10 Cheerio Sweetie

6.40 Waterloo Dock

7.10 Long Awaited

7.40 Breakheart

8.10 Milly’s Secret (treble)

Huntingdon

1.55 Nordic Nymph (nap)

2.25 Forthefunofit

3.00 Bob Tucker

3.35 Iniesta

4.10 Trojan Sun

4.40 Mrsrobin

Taunton

1.35 Northern Bay

2.05 Alto Des Mottes

2.35 All Yours

3.10 Finish The Story

3.45 Amanto (nb)

4.20 Bobby Dove

4.50 Gilzean

Wolverhampton

2.20 Pour La Victoire

2.55 Telegraph

3.30 Hills And Dales

4.05 Gabrial The Thug

4.35 Edw Gold

5.10 Trimoulet

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Friday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

I’VE got a Great bet for Bangor’s 2.10.

GREAT TRY (nap) has run really well to be placed in hot novice contests since switching to hurdles.

A repeat of those efforts should be good enough today.

LAST SHADOW (2.30 Kempton, nb) made a winning return from more than a year off the track at Uttoxeter in November.

There was nothing wrong with his subsequent effort and he still looks well weighted.

TOP COP (5.15 Wolverhampton, treble) has slipped to a nice handicap mark and he is sure to improve for his recent comeback run.

Welsh trainer Ron Harris is starting to fire in the winners after a poor winter.

Bangor

1.40 Mrs Peachey

2.10 Great Try (nap)

2.45 Mendip Express

3.15 Incentivise

3.50 Miracle Cure

4.20 Sandygate

4.50 Pacha Du Polder

Kempton

1.30 Vodka ‘n Tonic

2.00 West Wizard

2.30 Last Shadow (nb)

3.05 Ceasar Milan

3.35 Baby Shine

4.10 Newsworthy

4.40 Ok Corral

Newcastle

1.50 Notonebuttwo

2.20 Marlee Mourinho

2.55 Doctor Phoenix

3.25 The Orange Rogue

4.00 Whatdoesthefoxsay

4.30 Beyondtemptation

Wolverhampton

5.15 Top Cop (treble)

5.45 Spowarticus

6.15 Clever Love

6.45 Steve Rogers

7.15 Dame Lucy

7.45 Piccolo Express

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Saturday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

HOUBLON DES OBEAUX is the one to be on in the Denman Chase (2.25) at Newbury.

Venetia Williams’ reliable chaser was runner-up to Many Clouds in the Hennessy Gold Cup here in November before filling the same position behind The Young Master at Ascot.

My fancy should get the decent pace he likes.

1.50 NEW:

BALLY BEAUFORT should be in the hunt.

He has been progressing nicely in novice hurdles over 2m6f but this multiple point-to-point winner needs today’s stiffer test.

The handicapper could have been more severe on him.

There are plenty of dangers. Closing Ceremony is in great form.

He just failed to complete a hat-trick at Warwick last month but the winner, Join The Clan, has gone in again since and Emma Lavelle’s hope is sure to give it a good go.

Rydon Pynes, runner-up in this 12 months ago, has not been seen since winning at Chepstow in April.

But fitness should not be a worry as he usually goes well fresh.

Useful chasers Merry King and Shotavodka are others to consider, as well as Richard Newland’s Irish import Top Cat Henry.

2.05 WAR:

VIBRATO VALTAT should book his ticket to the Arkle.

He won round this tricky track on his chase debut and has since notched good victories at Sandown and Kempton.

Paul Nicholls’ ace does not find much in front so he rarely wins by far but he can bag another prize today.

Top Gamble is the main danger. He has been impressive since switching to fences and comes here following a perfect three out of three in chases. .

But Vibrato Valtat just might have too much class for him.

Kings Lads has won handicaps on his last two starts but must improve.

2.25 NEW:

HOUBLON DES OBEAUX should hop round here to land the Denman Chase.

He has looked better than ever this year and his second to rapidly-improving The Young Master at Ascot just before Christmas is good form.

Although he loves the Royal track his second to Gold Cup hope Many Clouds in the Hennessy shows he’s not bad here.

Useful novice Coneygree should make sure they go a decent pace.

He landed the Kauto Star Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day but that race fell apart.

This is a big ask for a novice.

Harry Topper won this race 12 months ago.

But, given Al Ferof didn’t stay, he did not have much to beat and will do well to give weight to my fancy.

Unioniste also has to concede weight.

He bounced back to form to easily win a Sandown handicap last month but he was a long way behind Houblon Des Obeaux in the Hennessy.

Taquin Du Seuil has the class to take a race like this. But, along with Double Ross, he needs to prove he stays.

2.40 WAR:

GLENS MELODY won this 12 months ago and looks a good bet to repeat the success.

She went on to push superstar stablemate Quevega at Cheltenham and has been bubbling up nicely this season.

Willie Mullins’ raider chased home improving Kitten Rock at Naas last month and should be spot on today.

This is her best distance and she goes well in testing ground.

The going will be too soft for Mayfair Music but Mickie and Emily Gray, both returning to hurdles from fences, have a chance.

Kilronan High made smart mare Bitofapuzzle work at Wincanton last time but the winner may not have been at her best that day.

3.00 NEW:

This revolves around the return of last season’s top two-mile chaser Sire De Grugy.

There’s no doubt he would be hard to beat on his best form.

But there’s also no doubt he is unlikely to be at peak fitness on his first start since April.

The testing ground will put his condition under more pressure.

So take him on with reformed character MR MOLE.

He was dodgier than Arthur Daly last term but Paul Nicholls has worked his magic on him.

His comfortable defeat of Brick Red at Sandown last month was really pleasing.

He has always had plenty of talent and looks up to this level if continuing to put it all in.

Last season’s smart novice Uxizandre has a shout on his best form but must was disappointing last time.

3.35 NEW:

GET in on the Act in the Betfair Hurdle (3.35) at Newbury.

Ex-French ACTIVIAL burst on to the scene when impressively landing the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton last season.

Harry Fry swerved Cheltenham in favour of Aintree but the ground was too fast.

He ran a cracker when third in the Ladbroke at Ascot just before Christmas.

Considering he was taking on more experienced, race-fit rivals it was a splendid effort and today’s softer ground will suit.

Calipto is also unexposed and it’s no surprise he is favourite.

An unlucky third in the Triumph Hurdle, he could be well weighted.

But that form has not worked out well and he has been off the track since October.

Novices have a good record in this valuable contest, so Activial’s stablemate Jolly’s Cracked It, Aso and Arzal all have a chance.

Dan Skelton appears to have found the key to Fascino Rustico but this will be much tougher than the novice hurdles he has won.

David Pipe’s pair Balgarry and Swing Bowler are both in with a shout.

Lingfield

1.30 Third Strike

2.00 Soft Love

2.35 Random Success

3.10 Razor Wind

3.45 Boom The Groom

4.20 Vincentti

4.50 Melbourne Shuffle

Newbury

1.15 Cardinal Walter

1.50 Bally Beaufort

2.25 Houblon Des Obeaux

3.00 Mr Mole

3.35 Activial (nb)

4.10 Kings Palace

4.40 Duke Des Champs

Uttoxeter

1.40 Ustica

2.15 Bravo Riquet

2.50 Barton Rose

3.25 Jupiter Rex

4.00 Crafty Roberto

4.30 The Boss’s Dream

Warwick

1.00 Kingscourt Native

1.35 Cogry (treble)

2.05 Vibrato Valtat

2.40 Glens Melody (nap)

3.15 Onderun

3.50 Al Alfa

4.25 Azert De Coeur

Wolverhampton

5.45 John Potts

6.15 Park Place

6.45 Munaawib

7.15 Essaka

7.45 Elle Shade

8.15 Apparatchika

8.45 Matraash

9.15 Mr Soprano

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Sunday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

SOUTHFIELD THEATRE (nap) should take centre stage in Exeter’s 4.00.

He was a smart staying hurdler and looked a natural over fences when winning his first two chase starts.

A defeat over 3m in November was still not a bad effort but he will be hard to beat if allowed to dominated over today’s shorter distance.

QUEEN OF SKIES (3.05 Southwell, nb) has notched both her wins over track and trip.

She was forced to go too fast early on last time and is still nicely weighted.

ALPHA TAURI (2.35 Southwell, treble) won a handicap over course and distance last year and was far from disgraced last time out.

He’s got a decent draw for this drop in grade.

Exeter

1.25 Sir Ivan

1.55 Emerging Talent

2.25 Knight Of Noir

2.55 Golden Chieftain

3.25 Kings Palace

4.00 Southfield Theatre (nap)

4.30 Drumlee Sunset

Southwell

1.35 Exclusive Contract

2.05 Out Of Aces

2.35 Alpha Tauri (treble)

3.05 Queen Of Skies (nb)

3.35 Starfield

4.10 River Of Dreams

4.40 Bognor

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Monday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

KNIGHT OF PLEASURE (nap) should give us a big thrill in Plumpton’s 3.50.

He’s well weighted on his hurdles form and there was a lot to like about his chase debut when second to useful Garrahalish in October.

His subsequent start at Fontwell in November was not bad and he goes well fresh so the break since is in his favour.

SAINT ARE (3.40 Catterick, nb) has run three sound races since moving from Tim Vaughan to Tom George.

The drying ground should help this well-handicapped chaser hit the target.

SBRAASE (3.30 Wolverhampton, treble) scored over course and distance in September before bumping into smart Solidarity on his latest start in November.

He’s another with a good record following a break.

Catterick

1.40 Lough Derg Walk

2.10 Brave Spartacus

2.40 Ivan Boru

3.10 Dewala

3.40 Saint Are (nb)

4.10 Black Jack Rover

4.40 Shotofwine

Plumpton

1.50 Twentytwo’s Taken

2.20 Taniokey

2.50 Kings Bandit

3.20 Great Choice

3.50 Knight Of Pleasure (nap)

4.20 Sudden Wish

4.50 King Kayf

Wolverhampton

2.00 Rat Catcher

2.30 Symphony Of Kings

3.00 Tryster

3.30 Sbraase (treble)

4.00 Yorkshireman

4.30 Winter Queen

5.00 Oak Bluffs

5.30 Telegraph

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Tuesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

SILVERGROVE (nap) should grab gold in the 4.00 at Ffos Las.

He won nicely over three miles at Exeter on New Year’s Day and ran a sound race despite finding the extra half mile too far at Wincanton last time.

The drop in distance is in his favour and his stamina will be a help with the ground testing.

GABRIAL THE DUKE (4.40 Southwell, nb) was having only his second visit to this track when scoring by a whopping 12 lengths last week.

He will be hard to beat shouldering just a 6lbs penalty.

SLEET (2.00 Southwell, treble) was forced wide and ended up too close to the unfavoured stands’ rail over track and trip last time.

He hasn’t had many tries at this distance and is clearly capable of winning a race like this.

Ayr

2.10 Engrossing

2.45 Gilnockie

3.15 Pegasus Walk

3.50 Plus Jamais

4.20 Habbie Simpson

4.55 Cornerman

Ffos Las

2.20 Local Show

2.55 Buywise

3.25 Fishing Bridge

4.00 Silvergrove (nap)

4.30 Global Thrill

5.05 Bravo Bravo

Southwell

2.00 Sleet (treble)

2.30 First Dream

3.05 Lexington Bay

3.35 Two Moons

4.10 International Name

4.40 Gabrial The Duke (nb)

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Wednesday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

I’M expecting Dres to impress in Chepstow’s 3.30.

DRESDEN (nap) has twice run well on soft ground since switching to fences.

But all his best hurdles form was on decent going so today’s conditions will suit him well.

PITTER PATTER (4.05 Chepstow, nb) looked sure to score when falling at the last at Exeter last month.

This looks an ideal race for he to make amends.

STREETS OF NEWYORK (3.55 Musselburgh, treble) has returned to hurdles in great form.

He followed up his course-and-distance victory in January by running another cracker in a hot handicap at this track last time.

The drop in grade should do the trick.

Chepstow

1.50 Sebastian Beach

2.20 King’s Odyssey

2.55 Charlie Breekie

3.30 Dresden (nap)

4.05 Pitter Patter (nb)

4.35 King’s Song

5.05 Pigeon Island

Kempton

5.15 Third Strike

5.45 Lupo D’Oro

6.15 Puzzle Time

6.45 Perfect Mission

7.15 Silent Pursuit

7.45 Windy Miller

8.15 Ifittakesforever

8.45 Mops Angel

Lingfield

1.55 Secrets Safe

2.30 Ruler Of The Nile

3.05 The Yank

3.40 Draco’s Code

4.15 India’s Song

4.45 Stormbound

Musselburgh

1.40 Beau Dandy

2.10 Red Spinner

2.45 Classinaglass

3.20 Urban Kode

3.55 Streets Of Newyork (treble)

4.25 Walden

4.55 Gingili

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Thursday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

I RECKON it’s likely Lad will score in Leicester’s 2.40.

THE OULD LAD (nap) easily won twice in November including over today’s course and distance.

He ran another cracker when chasing home Benbane Head at Cheltenham in December when the 3m2f distance just stretched him.

There’s every chance the break he’s had since will have done him some good.

STUDFARMER (6.40 Chelmsford, nb) won over this trip at Kempton last month before running sound race dropped to five furlongs.

He was drawn wide last time and it’s always a help to have Adam Kirby in the saddle.

POPAFLORA (2.50 Fontwell, treble) won at this track last year and he bumped into a well-treated rival at Plumpton last time.

He should be spot on today.

Chelmsford

5.35 Go Packing Go

6.10 Sahara Desert

6.40 Studfarmer (nb)

7.10 The Yank

7.40 Heho

8.10 Ridgeway Storm

Fontwell

2.20 Kilgeel Hill

2.50 Popaflora (treble)

3.20 Laurium

3.50 Prouts Pub

4.20 Brody Bleu

4.50 Chapel Hall

Kelso

2.00 Frederic

2.30 Edmund

3.00 Glingerburn

3.30 Holywell

4.00 Flying Eagle

4.30 Sir Du Bearn

Leicester

2.10 Morning Reggie

2.40 The Ould Lad (nap)

3.10 Take The Crown

3.40 Dare to Endeavour

4.10 Mr Mercurial

4.40 Donapollo

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Friday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

COWARDS CLOSE (nap) should be up for the battle in Sandown’s 3.05.

He faces some thoroughly exposed rivals in the Royal Artillery Gold Cup and there will be few better jockeys than Jody Sole. Paul Nicholls’ hope made a promising return from a summer break when third at Cheltenham in December and he will like the decent ground.

HOLIDAY MAGIC (3.50 Lingfield, nb) has been progressing well and he was well on top at the finish when scoring over course and distance in December. His jockey Tom Marquand is going to ride plenty of winners this year.

CAPARD KING (2.20 Fakenham, treble) came good to beat well-weighted Nordic Nymph when upped in distance at Huntingdon last week. He looks well ahead of the handicapper.

Fakenham

1.15 Staff Sergeant

1.45 Medieval Chapel

2.20 Capard King (treble)

2.50 Gone Too Far

3.25 Clean Sheet

4.00 Can Mestret

4.35 Mardale

Lingfield

2.10 Stonefield Flyer

2.40 Dutchess Of Art

3.15 Quill Art

3.50 Holiday Magic (nb)

4.25 Westerly

4.55 Embankment

Sandown

1.30 Howaboutnow

2.00 Liberty One

2.30 Ulranna

3.05 Cowards Close (nap)

3.40 Bidourey

4.15 Tresor De Bontee

4.45 Work In Progress

Wolverhampton

5.15 Ya Halla

5.45 The Yank

6.15 Middle England

6.45 Jillanar

7.15 John Reel

7.45 Trimoulet

[Kimmy]

Templegate's top tips for Saturday
By TEMPLEGATE (Steve Jones)

IT’S time to back big Ben in the Betfred Grand National Trial (2.55) at Haydock.

BENVOLIO suffered an agonising short-head defeat in the Welsh National when he was nailed close home by dour stayer Emperor’s Choice.

That was still a splendid effort on his first try at marathon distances and wearing blinkers for the first time.

There’s every chance he will progress now trainer Paul Nicholls has found how to get the best out of him and I always like prominent racers in contests like this.

Monbeg Dude – fourth in the Welsh National – is 8lb better off with my fancy but he is often held back by jumping errors.

I’m more worried about Gas Line Boy He destroyed a good field over course and distance in November before bombing out in the Welsh National.

But Chepstow might not have been for him and there’s a good chance he’ll bounce back to form.

Rigadin De Beauchene won this 12 months ago and finished runner-up the previous year but the ground might not be testing enough this time.

Benbens is another who likes this track.

He was finishing well when denied a neck by Samstown here over 3m1f last month and is weighted to reverse the form.

Broadway Buffalo scored easily at this course in December but the race was set up nicely for him. I’m not convinced he is that good.

SUPER sub PTIT ZIG can save the day for Paul Nicholls in the Betfair Ascot Chase (3.50).

Stablemate Al Ferof was expected to line up for the champion trainer in this Grade 1 contest but he has been ruled out for the season.

So step forward unbeaten chaser Ptit Zig. He is four from four over fences and no British novice has impressed me more this season.

2.05 ASC:

Another disappointing turnout for the Reynoldstown Chase and another chance for Paul Nicholls to bag a big weekend winner.

His VIRAK won his first three starts over fences before finishing a distant third behind Coneygree at Kempton on Boxing Day.

But he was hampered in that Grade 1 contest and it was no disgrace he couldn’t live with the winner considering he could be heading for the Gold Cup after scoring at Newbury last week.

Ainsi Fideles mopped five chases last summer before finding Splash Of Ginge too hot to handle at Cheltenham in October.

He’s been off the track since and steps up to three miles for the first time.

Deputy Dan needs to brush up his jumping while Phone Home has plenty to find at today’s weights.

2.20 HAY:

At Fishers Cross has plenty in hand on official ratings.

But I’ve never been convinced by him. He’s not won for nearly two years and – despite finishing third in last year’s World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – his sloppy jumping always makes him vulnerable.

So I’m happy to take him on with CLOSING CEREMONY.

My fancy has twice won course-and-distance handicaps this season and he ran another cracker when trying to give stacks of weight to subsequent winner Join The Clan at Warwick last month.

He’s a dour stayer and jumps well so could grind this out from the front.

Barafundle beat Milansbar over track and trip last month but the runner-up is weighted to reverse the form.

Last year’s winner Seeyouatmidnight hasn’t been seen since finishing third at Aintree’s Grand National meeting and he has to give weight away all round.

2.40 ASC:

CAROLE’S DESTRIER shouldn’t have to joust for the lead and that should be enough of an advantage for him to score.

Neil Mulholland’s novice made all to beat Carraig Mor at Exeter before running a shocker at Chepstow.

His promising Cheltenham fourth over an inadequate 2m5f was much more like it and he should like the track as he’s won three of his last four races on right-handed courses.

Shangani was just denied three miles for the first time at Kempton over Christmas.

A dour test at Haydock was against him last time and he could bounce back.

Clondaw Knight won well at Wetherby last time but he’s gone up a whopping 13lbs for that victory.

Cappa Bleu – runner-up in the Grand National two years ago – is dangerously handicapped but it’s hard to be confident that he’s anywhere near as good as he was.

2.55 HAY:

BENVOLIO can give Paul Nicholls another big Saturday winner. Read why above.

3.15 ASC:

UNIQUE DE COTTE should help warm us up. He did well to land a gamble after nearly two years off the track at Cheltenham in November considering he slipped on the home bend.

The combination of a step up to three miles and the race coming too soon was his downfall at Newbury a couple of weeks later.

I expect him to show his true colours now he’s had a nice break and he wears a tongue tie for the first time.

Useful novice Minella Present looked smart earlier in the season, while Diamond King is sure to have improved for his recent return to action.

Rolling Star was well beaten in a couple of hot handicaps last season but his smart juvenile form gives him a chance despite returning from a year out.

3.35 WIN:

They might not catch BLUE HERON.

Dan Skelton’s hope beat smart novice Parlour Games at Kempton in October and went on to run a sound race under a big weight in Cheltenham’s Greatwood hurdle.

He was no match for Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle but still managed to finish well in front of Irving and Sign Of A Victory.

Blue Heron could easily get a soft lead today and that is always a help at this course.

Main danger Irving clearly didn’t fire at Kempton and his victory in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle looks better than it did at the time.

Runner-up Aurore D’Estruval has won since and third-placed Arctic Fire has twice run well behind Hurricane Fly and Jezki.

3.50 ASC:

Top novice PTIT ZIG has this in the bag. Paul Nicholls’ former smart hurdler has won all four starts since switching to fences.

The way he brushed useful Champagne West aside at Cheltenham last time was most impressive and he should see off some more experienced rivals.

Balder Success came good returned to 2m4f at Kempton last time.

But he did nothing more than he was entitled to in beating two horses in a Listed contest.

His previous form suggests he falls short of today’s better grade.

Irish raider Ballycasey disappointed dropped to 2m1f at Leopardstown over Christmas.

But he’s much better over today’s longer distance and his smart novice form from last season gives him a chance.

Useful mare Ma Filleule is also in with a shout but it’s incredible that trainer Nicky Henderson has only had five chase winners since the start of October.

Ascot

1.30 Tea For Two

2.05 Virak

2.40 Carole’s Destrier (nap)

3.15 Unique De Cotte (nb)

3.50 Ptit Zig (treble)

4.20 Saint Charles

4.50 Joe Farrell

Haydock

1.45 Top Notch

2.20 Closing Ceremony

2.55 Benvolio

3.25 Buddy Bolero

4.00 Fletchers Flyer

4.30 Algernon Pazham

5.05 Teaforthree

Lingfield

1.25 Ernest

2.00 Take Two

2.35 Pathway To Honour

3.10 Anonymous John

3.45 Melvin The Grate

4.15 Pactolus

4.45 Tychaios

Wincanton

1.20 Urban Storm

1.55 Opening Batsman

2.30 Serienschock

3.05 Cold March

3.35 Blue Heron

4.10 Zarib

4.40 Thomas Wild