formcheltenham 12.03.15

2.40 Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy Chase) (Grade 1) (Class 1) £300,000 guaranteed 2m5f For 5yo+ which are allotted a rating of 130 or more by the BHA Head of Handicapping following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including March 5th. Horses which are not qualified a rating in Great Britain, Ireland or France may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances up to and including March 5th would merit a minimum rating of 130. The decision of the BHA Head of Handicapping shall be final Weights 5yo 11st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st 10lb Penalty value 1st £178,538.25 2nd £66,994.95 3rd £33,544.50 4th £16,709.55 5th £8,401.80 6th £4,200.90 GD-SFT

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Balder Succes 11-10 7-y-o bay gelding Life 12 3 26 173 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: 14-days: 5-3-19 rtf% 42 Sire: Goldneyev (awd: 9.6f, aei: 4.75) 14/05 2 3 6 173 G 2 0 4 167 Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson Dam: Frija Eria (aei: 43.47) Dist 3 0 3 173 GS-Hvy 10 3 22 173 Owner: Masterson Holdings Limited G Sire: Kadalko (aei: 3.03) Crs 0 0 3 155 6-15rns 4 2 15 167 Breeder: Damien Bellanger Et Al Class 1 1 0 2 173 11-8 to 12st 2 1 7 163

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4219 H 14Feb Asct cls1G1Ch 87 21.5s 1/5 31/4l Ma Filleule (11-0) 11-7 4/1 Wayne Hutchinson driven and stayed on well flat 162 108 173 3608 P 10Jan Kemp cls1LisCh 18 20.5s 1/3 10l Fox Appeal (11-6) 11-5 EvensF Wayne Hutchinson comfortably 162 156 173 3313 P 27Dec14 Kemp cls1G2Ch 47 16.0s 2/5 21/4l Special Tiara (11-0) 11-5 11/10F Wayne Hutchinson kept on but never a threat to winner 163 157 169 2948 P 6Dec14 Sand cls1G1Ch 86 16.0s 4/10 7l Dodging Bullets (11-7) 11-7 7/2J Richard Johnson one pace after 163 123 167 2264 H 4Nov14 Extr cls1G2ChHc36 17.5gs 2/7 5l God's Own (10-7) 11-0 4/1 Wayne Hutchinson kept on but held from next 162 135 167 55a P 1May14 Punc NvG1Ch 57 16.0y 3/8 3/4l God's Own (11-10) 11-10 11/4 Wayne Hutchinson dropped to 3rd close home 160 121 163 5168 P 5Apr14 Aint cls1NvG1Ch62 16.0g 1/7 4l Simply Ned (11-4) 11-4 7/2 Wayne Hutchinson driven and stayed on strongly run-in 153 157 167 4420 P 22Feb14 Kemp cls1NvG2Ch18 20.5s 1/6 11/4l God's Own (11-0) 11-7 9/4 Wayne Hutchinson won quite decisively 151 142 163 4159 L 8Feb14 Wwck cls1NvG2Ch23 16.0hy 1/5 31/2l Brick Red (11-4) 11-7 6/5F Wayne Hutchinson ridden out 145 142 161 2950 L 7Dec13 Sand cls1NvG1Ch23 16.0g 5/6 221/4l Hinterland (11-2) 11-2 7/2 Robert Thornton weakened from 3 out 145 107 141 NOTE-BOOK 4219 landed the big prize his career had promised and did the job in ready fashion. He won a key prep race for this at Kempton, in Listed company, as he pleased last month and was the best of these according to official figures. The ground was also to his liking yet he proved easy to back. Wayne Hutchinson confidently sent him on leaving the back straight and, despite getting in close at the last, he was always holding the runner-up. This fully confirms him being most at home over the intermediate trip and he was into a general 7-1 for the Ryanair next month. The worry for that is he's yet to complete at in three outings, although he's peaking now and would surely have a say with a clear round. 3608 set the standard and ran out a good winner, travelling strongly throughout and pulling clear, despite taking a chance with the last. This represented a drop in grade for the 7yo, but he may go back up in grade now for the Ascot Chase next month. The Ryanair is his race at the festival. 3313 was the only one that threatened to reel in the winner but it was hard work for him from the fourth-last fence. He rates a sound enough benchmark for the form and it wouldn't surprise to see him try his luck over a longer trip again before long. 2948 was disappointing, as he looked primed to go close after taking the last of the Railway fences. Many from his yard have been improving from their first run back, but that wasn't the case here. 2264 proved most progressive in the second half of last season and he looked a huge threat when moving through to challenge in the straight, but a blunder three out seemed to take a bit out of him and it soon became clear he wasn't going to win. This was still a promising return and he's reportedly to be aimed at the Tingle Creek. 55a was arguably the best horse in the race on the day and was the only one of those ridden aggressively to be in touch at the business end. He guessed at the second-last - a quick leap there might well have won him the race - and he was always vulnerable from that point on. He looks a Champion Chase contender in the making and that division isn't particularly strong when you take away Sire De Grugy and . 5168 came into this in fine form, including when successfully stepping up to 2m4f at Kempton last time, but his poor effort behind Hinterland in the Henry VIII at Sandown in December was the only time he had managed to complete in four previous tries at Grade 1 level. However, he showed this time what he was truly capable of at the highest level and, having been close to the pace throughout, had forged his way to the front after jumping two from home. With his stamina for further already established, he was always going to have enough in reserve to see his race out and a spectacular leap at the last sealed it. The decision to bypass Cheltenham and come here was truly vindicated and he may still go to Punchestown, while he was given a quote of 20-1 for next year's Queen Mother Champion Chase. Although reigning champion Sire De Grugy will be a formidable obstacle back there, doubts over a few of his other potential main rivals would suggest that wouldn't be the worst bet in the world. 4420 who won the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' Chase following a break, had his stamina to prove over this distance despite winning over 2m3f on his chasing debut, but saw it out really well after being forced to battle. His odds for the Arkle were clipped by some bookmakers, and he would run respectably if showing up for that race, but he is more likely to wait until Aintree. A likeable type who handles most ground, he's definitely worth another try in Grade 1 company despite a record of FUU5 at that level. 4159 , who holds an entry in the Racing Post Arkle Chase, had his limitations exposed at a time where his stable was struggling for winners in Grade 1 company on his previous start, but appreciated the drop in class and ran up to his best after jumping soundly. He's equally effective on a sounder surface and, while he'll have to improve to win an Arkle, he'll be at least as good returned to further and is the type to win another decent race over fences. 2950 never looked comfortable on this rise in grade, being taken on early and not jumping as well as he can. He was disappointing and is another who’ll likely find himself in good-quality handicaps come the major festivals. QUOTES 4219 That was just what I wanted to see and probably a little better than I expected. The owners are away, but I'm sure it will be Ryanair. He's in his comfort zone again. Over two and a half miles they just go half a stride slower early on. Those good two milers were just getting him at it and taking him out of his comfort zone. I'm fairly comfortable with taking him back to Cheltenham. In the Triumph there was a false start and he completely boiled over and fell at halfway. Then on his second start over fences it was one of those low sun days when they didn't take the fences out, but he was bolting up when he came down early on - Alan King, trainer. 3608 That will have done Balder Succes good and his confidence. Over 2m he was taking three or four fences to warm to his task. This is definitely his trip. If he wants another run he would go to Ascot in February and then the Ryanair I would have thought or straight to the Ryanair. - Alan King, trainer. 2264 Trainer Alan King: We will get Balder Succes home and see what out options are with him but we might think about the Tingle Creek next as I want to stick at two miles with him. 5168 Skipping Cheltenham and coming here was the key. He was fresh and well for today and has been gaining confidence all season. Fences have made a man of him. If he runs again this season it will be at the Punchestown festival.-Alan King, trainer. 4420 I don't think he goes to Cheltenham - the owners are not keen. There is Aintree and Punchestown and today's win opens up alternatives as he has seen out the longer trip well - we rode him slightly differently today, not quite so aggressively. The owners just don't want to go to Cheltenham. It is nothing to do with him not handling the track - he would have bolted up there in October but for the sun in his eyes at the second-last. - Alan King, trainer. 4159 Balder Succes jumped really well and he put the race to bed down the back with his jumping.He will now go straight to the Arkle I would think as he 's got the experience over fences as he run five times and won three of them. - Wayne Hutchinson, jockey.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Ballycasey 11-10 8-y-o grey gelding Life 6 1 12 160 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: W P Mullins 14-days: 4-4-15 rtf% 73 Sire: Presenting (awd: 13.8f, aei: 1.64) 14/05 1 1 4 158 G 0 1 2 158 Jockey: Dam: Pink Mist (aei: 16.59) Dist 1 0 2 160 GS-Hvy 6 0 10 160 Owner: Mrs S Ricci G Sire: Montelimar (awd: 11.5f, aei: 2.33) Crs 0 0 1 158 6-15rns 4 0 7 158 Breeder: R Tanner Sales: 80,000euros 4-y-o Class 1 0 0 0 0 11-8 to 12st 4 1 8 160

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4219 P 14Feb Asct cls1G1Ch 87 21.5s 3/5 261/4l Balder Succes (11-7) 11-7 3/1 R Walsh all out under pressure to hold on for 3rd 155 83 148 3326a P 27Dec14 Leop G1Ch 5117.0hy 7/9 281/4l Twinlight (11-12) 11-12 5/2 R Walsh weakened 153 120 143 2676a L 22Nov14 Gowr Ch 1120.0hy 1/8 51/2l Followmeuptocarlow (10-12) 11-5 4/6F stayed on well to draw clear run-in 153 98 153 13a P 29Apr14 Punc NvG1Ch 47 25.0g 2/5 41/4l Carlingford Lough (11-10) 11-10 3/1 R Walsh no extra 155 135 158 5422a - 20Apr14 Fair G1Ch 4920.0gy F/4 Rebel Fitz (11-10) 11-10 11/8F Paul Townend going best and over 1 length clear when fell 2 out 155 - 160 4751 P 12Mar14 Chel cls1G1Ch 86 24.5g 4/15 81/2l O'Faolains Boy (11-4) 11-4 13/2J R Walsh one pace into 4th final 110yds 157 130 158 4181a L 9Feb14 Leop NvG1Ch 44 21.0sh 1/3 4l (11-10) 11-10 2/1 R Walsh kept on well under pressure run-in 148 119 160 2707a P 24Nov13 Navn Ch 917.0gy 1/11 8l Mount Colah (11-5) 11-12 4/6F R Walsh not extended - 111 156 5514a P 24Apr13 Punc NvG1Hd 41 24.0s 3/7 7l Morning Assembly (11-10) 11-10 EvensF R Walsh kept on same pace from last 145 102 148 3716a L 17Jan13 Thur NvHd 822.0hy 1/5 3l Milborough (11-2) 11-5 4/6F R Walsh not extended - 71 148 NOTE-BOOK 4219 , back up in trip, travelled with an awful lot more enthusiasm than had been the case when running deplorably at Leopardstown when last seen in December. However, he seemed to throw in the towel pretty quickly once the taps were turned on and now has it to prove.

Page 1 formcheltenham 12.03.15 3326areally should have thrived off the speed they went but he laboured from a long way out and perhaps connections will look to step him up in distance. He can go for the Ryanair but he will need to leave this running a long way behind. 2676a won this with some authority and conviction. They were well strung out from the off without seeming to go at a great clip, and the winner's rider seemed to try to make it a bit stop-start. His mount came up for him though at almost every fence and when he asked him to race in the straight his jumping was even better and he didn't really seem to get going until after the last. It was a good, solid performance and an ideal one with which to launch the season. It will be interesting to see where he goes next as he seems sure to be kept at this trip. 13a has had his bubble burst a little this season and even this better ground didn't seem to help him get the trip. Racing handily and jumping quite well, although he does have a tendency to make a mistake out of the blue, he moved up strongly with every chance between the last two fences but was outstayed quite comprehensively. Whether he has the pace to be effective over 2m4f is questionable and he could well be quite a difficult horse to place next season. 5422a hadn't been asked for everything when he met the second-last all wrong and came down. Given that 3m is supposed to be his best trip, it was hard to envisage hims stopping and he may well have won. He remains an exciting prospect and potentially a Gold Cup candidate in 2015. But he fell in a schooling session at Leopardstown before Cheltenham too, so it is hard to know how this latest setback will affect his confidence. 4751 fell while schooling after racing recently and came here lacking experience. Weak in the betting despite the success of the stable in earlier races at the meeting, he travelled strongly, perhaps a bit too strongly, and ultimately failed the stamina test, although his jumping couldn't be faulted. He might be more of a Ryanair horse for next year, rather than a Gold Cup contender. 4181a made it five from the last seven for in this Grade 1 contest. In the previous race on the card, won from the front on in the same colours, was seen at his most tactically astute. Once again he dictated the shape of the race. That slight note of caution apart, this was an excellent performance by Ballycasey, who raced three times in point-to-points without winning but is now five from six on the track, having incurred his only defeat when third to the smart Morning Assembly in a 3m Grade 1 event at Punchestown on the third and final start of last year's novice campaign. 2707a was sent off a strong favourite despite the fact that he has won at up 2m6f over hurdles and signed off last season with a third placing over 3m in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown. The race was run to suit him, the pace supplied by the gallant Mount Colah who rallied well for second after he had made steady progress down the outside in the straight to get to grips with his main market rival Ned Buntline more readily than had looked feasible on the approach to the straight. Apart from a mistake at the sixth he jumped well. He is obviously going to be seen to best effect when going up in trip and already has the makings of a likely RSA Chase candidate. 5514a's defeat is not so easy to excuse: he lost a couple of places at an important time in the race but ultimately was not good enough. His price seemed very short on bare form but he ought to be a grand novice chaser next season. 3716a remains unbeaten and looks a proper horse. A sizeable son of Presenting and a real embryonic chaser, he travelled strongly and jumped superbly, going to the front entering the straight with a couple of potential challengers for company. But when he was asked he picked up really nicely and went on with plenty left in the tank. A work in progress he may be, but he's clearly making plenty of progress and with some good ground in the spring he may well be a horse to surprise people. QUOTES 2676aThat's the trip he enjoys. He jumps great; we'll probably go for a Grade 2 or a Grade 3 next-Willie Mullins, trainer. 4181aHe had little problems after his last run and that was promising considering he had a hold-up in his preparation and was only a substitute for Champagne Fever today. Being by Presenting he should be better on better ground, and I should think he'll go for the RSA Chase. - Willie Mullins, trainer. 2707aHe jumped fantastic and likes that better ground. We will step him up in trip now and find something for him at Christmas, possibly the Grade 2 at Limerick that Sir Des Champs won.-Patrick Mullins, trainers son. 3716aHe's progressing in a lovely way and I'm happy how well he handled that ground, I thought it might be a bit soft. He'll be entered in the Albert Bartlett and the Neptune, I don't know if he'll get another run before then. - Willie Mullins, trainer.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Don Cossack 11-10t 8-y-o brown gelding Life 10 2 19 173 GF-Hd 1 0 1 159 Trainer: Gordon Elliott 14-days: 3-7-17 rtf% 58 Sire: Sholokhov (awd: 12.0f, aei: 4.06) 14/05 4 0 5 173 G 0 1 3 161 Jockey: Bryan Cooper Dam: Depeche Toi (aei: 16.39) Dist 0 0 1 157 GS-Hvy 9 1 15 173 Owner: Gigginstown House Stud G Sire: Konigsstuhl (awd: 10.5f, aei: 1.05) Crs 0 0 1 0 6-15rns 6 2 10 170 Breeder: Gestut Etzean Class 1 0 0 0 0 11-8 to 12st 10 0 13 173

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 3705a L 15Jan Thur G2Ch 2120.0sh 1/4 44l Texas Jack (11-8) 11-10 6/4 Bryan Cooper ridden and improved to get on terms at last where left well clear 166 133 173 2988a H 7Dec14 Punc G1Ch 4120.0gy 1/6 41/2l Boston Bob (11-10) 11-10 13/8 Brian O'Connell ridden in close 2nd after 2 out and driven clear run-in 157 149 170 2211a L 1Nov14 DRoy G2Ch 2820.0y 1/3 81/2l Wonderful Charm (11-10) 11-12 6/4 Bryan Cooper stayed on well 153 86 166 1927a H 16Oct14 Punc G3Ch 1823.0gf 1/4 51/2l Loosen My Load (11-0) 11-10 11/10F Bryan Cooper not extended 151 - 159 13a L 29Apr14 Punc NvG1Ch 47 25.0g 4/5 203/4l Carlingford Lough (11-10) 11-10 4/1 one pace after 152 122 142 5154 P 4Apr14 Aint cls1NvG1Ch51 25.0g 2/6 10l Holywell (11-4) 11-4 4/1 no impression 152 139 161 4751 P 12Mar14 Chel cls1G1Ch 86 24.5g F/15 O'Faolains Boy (11-4) 11-4 11/1 Bryan Cooper travelling okay in behind leaders when fell 14th 152 -- 4181a P 9Feb14 Leop NvG1Ch 44 21.0sh 2/3 4l Ballycasey (11-10) 11-10 EvensF Bryan Cooper kept on same pace 152 115 157 2853a H 1Dec13 Fair NvG1Ch 40 20.0gy 1/6 13/4l Carlingford Lough (11-10) 11-10 13/8F Davy Russell stayed on well 147 131 156 2551a P 17Nov13 Punc NvG2Ch 21 22.0y 2/4 1/2l Morning Assembly (11-3) 11-3 4/5F Bryan Cooper kept on well run-in but headed closing stages - 73 154 NOTE-BOOK 3705ais impressing more and more this season though and was arguably taking on his best opponent all season and giving him weight to boot. Bryan Cooper was happy to take a lead and with the leader jumping so flamboyantly out in front his mount had to match it. He consistently did. What was most impressive though was the manner in which he came back after a slight mistake at the second last to be upsides and perhaps a neck in front jumping the final fence. In the end he wasn't asked to answer the most searching question of all from that obstacle but up to then he did absolutely everything right. He deserves to take his chance in the Ryanair Chase where they're unlikely to go much quicker than they did here, and connections can go there with a measure of confidence that he won't be easy to beat. 2988abecame a man here. He was a Grade 1-winning novice but question-marks still hung over him querying whether he would really want it when the pressure was turned up a notch in a Grade 1. He answered them emphatically here. This trip is a minimum for him so fair play to O'Connell for sending him to the front when the pacesetters departed. His jumping was immaculate until the third-last, which he hit hard, and then he proceeded to jump out to his left up the home straight. He looked a sitting duck at the last but stretched right away under pressure and won going away. The second and the third ideally want 3m or even further but this was a thoroughly likeable display from an improving animal. He was shortened into 8-1 for the Ryanair and, with so many doubts surrounding the leading contenders for that, it would look an ideal target. 2211a's rider was keen that it would not be a cat-and-mouse race, even if his trainer felt that getting a lead would have suited more. He stays quite well, though, so forcing the issue made sense. He is a strapping beast and the slickness of his jumping was key here. Especially good at the third-last, the race changed complexion then, and the runner-up was playing catch-up. He was very good at the last two and is now living up to his reputation. Though connections felt that he would prefer being held up, there was nothing to suggest in this display that he cannot be at his best front-running, which puts an emphasis on his good jumping. 1927a might have gone some way to begin convincing his detractors here. The race was run at a very steady pace for most of the way and he travelled like a good horse for most of that, but he came off the bridle before the straight and there was a time that would have been curtains for his chance but to the horse's credit he found plenty when he was asked fully and he quickened up well to beat his two main rivals utterly convincingly. This was a taking performance and while he has to continue to prove himself it was certainly a good start. 13a jostled for the lead with Morning Assembly which cost him any chance. 5154 is a good jumper, so his RSA fall came as a bit of a surprise, but he showed no ill-effects of his spill and appeared to run right up to his best. A really strong-traveller, not for the first time this season he gave the impression he'd have been better suited to getting some cover in a more truly run race, Davy Russell having to take a pull on him on more than one occasion, but he saw the trip out well and is the type to improve again over the summer. 4181a ran well enough here to suggest he is one of the best staying novices around, but there was no real excuse, and it is hard to see him turning the tables on Ballycasey should they meet again. 2853a won very easily on his chasing debut at Galway and looked like following up in a Grace 2 over 2m6f at Punchestown a fortnight ago. The fact that he was worried out of it close home by Morning Assembly made many feel he was soft and resented a battle. That theory was dispelled here. His jumping was almost flawless, a small effort early on the final circuit being the only blip, but his supporters must have been worried when Davy Russell began to shove along after four out. He kept in the contest though and began to get his second-wind between the final two fences. He flew the last and won going away. Gordon Elliott could be stuck between a rock and a hard place now as he doesn't appear to have an out-and-out stayer, nor does he look to have the speed for two miles. One thing is for sure though, when he gets heavy ground and 2m4f he will be very hard to beat no matter what the opposition. Perhaps the Powers Gold Cup might be the race for him. 2551a did not cover himself with glory during his novice hurdling campaign but has taken well to chasing. He jumped well and simply came up against a slightly better horse on the day. There are good races to be won with him. QUOTES 3705aToday was probably even more of a proper test than the John Durkan at Punchestown because Champagne Fever is such a classy horse. The one thing I liked about him today and all season is the way he's finishing his races. He quickened the whole way to the line again today which I what I like to see. He's in all the big races at Cheltenham but all being well it will be the Ryanair. - Gordon Elliott, trainer. 2988aHe deserves that in fairness to him. He's always got plenty of stick with people saying that he's been disappointing but he's a dual Grade 1 winner now. I'll have to talk to Michael and Eddie [O'Leary] but if I had my way he wouldn't run until Cheltenham and go straight for the Ryanair. I have to discuss it with the owners as they have a lot of horses. He might have had a bit too much racing last year and we'll try and train him differently. - Gordon Elliott, trainer. 2211aHe is a good horse - remember he beat Road To Riches last season and he'd not have been out of place in the feature today. I was happy to come here. We won't go anywhere before Christmas and we'll see if he goes to the Lexus or King George. He jumped well the whole way pretty much. He'd be better getting a lead and I really liked how strong he was from the third-last to the line.-Gordon Elliott, trainer. 1927aGordon Elliott, trainer of Don Cossack: I?d say he?s better now on better ground, he seems to travel and quicken better on it. He was probably still a big baby last year but he definitely seems to be a stronger horse now. He has to prove it now but it?ll be one step at a time with him.

Page 2 formcheltenham 12.03.15

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Double Ross 11-10t 9-y-o chestnut gelding Life 5 9 32 163 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies 14-days: 4-5-19 rtf% 50 Sire: Double Eclipse (awd: 16.1f, aei: 2.01) 14/05 0 0 5 163 G 1 2 10 163 Jockey: Ryan Hatch Dam: Kinross (aei: 20.83) Dist 4 2 10 159 GS-Hvy 4 7 22 159 Owner: Options O Syndicate G Sire: Nearly A Hand (awd: 9.6f, aei: 0.99) Crs 3 3 7 163 6-15rns 3 6 17 163 Breeder: T McIlhagga Class 1 0 1 1 0 11-8 to 12st 0 1 7 158

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4082 P 7Feb Newb cls1G2Ch 29 24.0s 6/6 251/2l Coneygree (11-5) 11-6 33/1 Ryan Hatch chased leaders until weakened 4 out 156 130 149 3249 L 26Dec14 Kemp cls1G1Ch 114 24.0gs REF/10 Silviniaco Conti (11-10) 11-10 50/1 Ryan Hatch refused 2 out 159 -- 2663 H 22Nov14 Hayd cls1G1Ch 113 25.0s UR/9 Silviniaco Conti (11-7) 11-7 20/1 Sam Twiston-Davies well behind when blundered and unseated rider last 160 -- 2204 P 1Nov14 Weth cls1G2Ch 57 25.0g 3/7 4l Menorah (11-10) 11-6 11/1 Adam Wedge stayed on same pace 152 99 163 1837 L 10Oct14 NAbb cls2Ch 19 21.5s BD/5 Wonderful Charm (11-10) 11-6 5/1 Jamie Moore close 2nd when badly hampered and brought down next 152 -- 5156 L 4Apr14 Aint cls1G3ChHc68 21.5g 5/30 101/2l Ma Filleule (11-7) 11-9 6/1F Sam Twiston-Davies kept on same pace from elbow 152148158 4764 P 13Mar14 Chel cls1NvG1Ch69 20.0g 3/12 2l Taquin Du Seuil (11-4) 11-4 11/1 Sam Twiston-Davies not going pace of leading duo final 110yds 152 132 163 3887 L 25Jan14 Chel cls1G3ChHc29 21.0hy 2/10 13/4l Wishfull Thinking (11-12) 11-4 3/1F Sam Twiston-Davies no extra and one pace final 75yds 148 141 159 3458 P 1Jan14 Chel cls1G3ChHc29 21.0s 1/7 41/2l Cedre Bleu (11-6) 11-5 11/8F Sam Twiston-Davies ridden run-in and kept on well 140104150 3082 P 14Dec13 Chel cls1G3ChHc57 21.0g 1/13 2l Cantlow (11-9) 10-8 7/1 Sam Twiston-Davies all out 133 128 151 NOTE-BOOK 4082 has become difficult to place, but should run better if dropped back in trip for the Ryanair Chase, in which he was third last year. 2663 could not reproduce his Wetherby form and it's perhaps best to assume that this trip is a little far. 2204 , the second of the two novices and stepping up in trip, got into this after a circuit and set sail for home early in the straight. He was easily brushed aside by the winner going to the second last and lost the runner-up spot on the line. He may not have quite got home, but is worth another try over this distance to confirm it one way or another. 1837 developed into a smart handicapper over fences last season and finished third behind Taquin Du Seuil at the Festival. With Jamie Moore aboard for the first time, he looked as though the run would bring him on physically and was probably just starting to feel it prior to being badly hampered by Colour Squadron but wasn't done with. Thankfully he was soon to his feet again. He's high enough in the weights, but loves Cheltenham and deserves his place in the Paddy Power Gold Cup next month. 5156 , just behind the previous day's Grade 1 winner Uxizandre when third in the JLT, has had quite a busy season and, for all that he ran well, it's doubtful this was him at his very best. 4764 brought rock-solid handicap form at this venue to the table. He raced just off the leader and jumped well again, advertising his experience. This going, in such company, was quick enough for his liking and he's a decent benchmark for the form. 3887 was always up there on the inside and ran another mighty race in his quest for a C&D hat-trick, but found the classier winner too resolute after the last. This came off a mark 15lb higher than his December Gold Cup win, he confirmed last-time-out form with the quirky Cedre Bleu on 6lb worse terms, and he remains a young handicapper on the up. 3458 followed up his C&D win in the Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup off this 7lb higher mark. Jumping well after a fright at the first, he moved smoothly to the front some way out and his rider waited before committing for home. Last month's win came on good ground, but he is even better in testing conditions and continues on an upwards curve. The fact that he is still a novice means he has all sorts of options in the coming months. 3082 soon opened up a decisive lead once taking it up two from home. His advantage was being reduced after the last as he tired and maybe idled, but he was in no danger of being caught. Value for a greater margin of victory, he's an improving young chaser with more to offer as he gains experience over fences. Still a novice, his jumping was good apart from a mistake four from home, while he underlined that he doesn't require testing ground. QUOTES 3458 Apart from the boy trying to throw himself off at the first he was always a good thing. He probably wouldn't have settled but for that mistake and getting him settled is the key. We'll enter him in the novice chases and handicaps at the festival and pick the easiest. - Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer 3082 Realistically he is only a handicapper but he will definitely carry on paying his way and he will certainly stay further. I nearly didn't run him today because he likes soft ground, the softer the better, but it didn't inconvenience him at all.-Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Eduard 11-10 7-y-o bay gelding Life 6 6 13 170 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Nicky Richards 14-days: 2-1-9 rtf% 56 Sire: Morozov (aei: 1.30) 14/05 0 2 2 170 G 1 0 1 0 Jockey: Brian Harding Dam: Dinny Kenn (aei: 2.99) Dist 0 1 1 170 GS-Hvy 5 6 12 170 Owner: Eddie Melville G Sire: Phardante (awd: 12.7f, aei: 1.06) Crs 0 1 1 0 6-15rns 2 6 9 170 Breeder: Cecil And Martin McCracken Sales: 40,000euros 3-y-o Class 1 0 1 1 168 11-8 to 12st 1 1 2 168

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 2967 P 7Dec14 Hntg cls1G2Ch 35 20.5gs 2/6 11/2l Wishfull Thinking (11-6) 11-5 7/4F Brian Harding kept on to go 2nd again last strides 155 148 170 2222 H 2Nov14 Carl cls1LisCh 16 20.0s 2/6 11/4l Many Clouds (11-6) 11-12 9/4F Brian Harding held towards finish 155 153 168 5273 P 12Apr14 Ayr cls1NvG2Ch27 20.0gs 1/5 20l Valdez (11-7) 11-4 7/4 Brian Harding readily 144 76 165 4646 P 7Mar14 Ayr cls4NvCh 516.0hy 1/2 11l Imjoeking (11-0) 11-7 3/10F Brian Harding driven clear 140 63 146 2839 P 1Dec13 Carl cls3NvCh 8 16.0gs 1/5 5l Mwaleshi (11-6) 11-0 4/7F Brian Harding stayed on strongly - 124 142 2031 H 24Oct13 Carl cls4Ch 516.0gs 2/7 33/4l Pendra (11-2) 11-2 7/4 Brian Harding no chance with winner - 110 135 5173 P 6Apr13 Aint cls1NvG2Hd35 20.0gs 4/8 253/4l Ubak (11-4) 11-4 4/1 Brian Harding weakened between last 2 141 88 135 4518 H 2Mar13 Kels cls1G2Hd 18 18.0s 2/6 3/4l Mwaleshi (11-8) 11-5 4/5F Brian Harding held towards finish 142 115 141 4060 P 6Feb13 Carl cls4NvHd 4 17.0s 1/9 29l Basford Ben (11-3) 11-10 1/8F Davy Russell very easily 138 95 141 3049 P 14Dec12 Chel cls3NvHd 8 17.0hy 3/8 31/4l Melodic Rendezvous (10-12) 11-4 7/2 Davy Russell headed and one pace final 150yds -85138 NOTE-BOOK 2967 had put up a fine effort when runner-up to Hennessy winner Many Clouds at Carlisle when conceding 6lb. He looked set to go on and win when challenging Wishfull Thinking two out, but jumped to his left there and again at the last, dropping back to third briefly. He remains a young chaser of rich promise, and should get 3m in time. 2222 , who ended his novice campaign with an easy Grade 2 win at Ayr over a similar trip, was making his seasonal debut. Waited with, he made several minor jumping errors, getting in close at a couple, but his class shone through and while the winner had too many guns on the day, he might be a type for something like the Paddy Power Gold Cup. He is still learning and looks highly progressive. 5273 had only beaten a total of five rivals in winning his last two starts over fences (won a match at odds of 30-100 here last month) and didn't get home in one previous try at this trip over hurdles, but he looks a different gelding now. He was never far off the pace and apart from one minor blemish five from home, his jumping was sound and it soon became clear he was running all over the favourite starting up the final line of fences. He came home in splendid isolation and although there is a doubt as to whether his market rival was close to his best, he could hardly have done this any easier. He can now look forward to contesting some of the top chases next season. 4646 had 5lb in hand of his opponent on BHA figures even with his Carlisle penalty and won pretty easily, despite a notable blunder at the first in the home straight. His jumping had been a bit scruffy up to that point, but he has an engine and is a decent novice. There could be something for him at Aintree, and with improvement likely at 2m4f the Manifesto Novices' Chase could be the right race. The Future Champion Novices' Chase back here next month is another possible target. 2839 was a slightly unlucky loser on his chasing debut but made amends here, despite getting in tight at a few fences and giving backers cause for concern. Despite those novicey errors, he was back on the bridle between the third-last and penultimate fence, and won with plenty in hand. He is a promising sort with time on his side, who should be seen in a better light over further. 2031 , a Grade 2 runner-up over hurdles, has plenty of size and he too moved smoothly through the race, only to lose all chance at the second-last. He ran on again after being given a bit of time to recover and wouldn’t have been beaten far, if at all, without the error. A really promising type, it surely won’t be long before he goes one better. 5173 had made a decent impression in winning two of his five starts over hurdles, although he disappointed slightly when beaten in a Grade 2 at Kelso on his previous start. Always tracking the leader, he had his chance three out but could not find another gear. His trainer thinks he is still a baby and he can be expected to do better in time and once switched to fences. 4518 , a course bumper winner, was recently taken out of his engagements at Cheltenham, with Aintree reportedly the aim. He travelled well through the race and challenged the winner two from home, but could never get past and was held when edging to his right on the run-in. This was somewhat disappointing on the face of it, but the tacky ground might not have suited him. 4060 , as his 1-8 odds entitled him to, won with ease. He'd finished third in a warm contest at Cheltenham, won by subsequent Grade 1 scorer Melodic Rendezvous, last time and this proved little more than a canter for the promising 5yo. A smashing prospect with fences in mind, he looks set to bypass Cheltenham and instead head to Aintree. 3049 fared best of the penalised runners, taking a narrow lead at the last, but still looking green and just lacking the pace of the first two. His trainer reports he's still quite babyish and he rates a smart long-term chase prospect, although there are more races to be won over hurdles first. QUOTES 5273 I've had full confidence in that horse from the day he ran in a bumper and he's done what I thought he'd do. The Paddy Power might be tempting, but you've got to remember he's only had four runs over fences and he's still learning his trade. He could go for the Old Roan, which is likely to be a small field so he'd avoid any hustle and bustle. - Nicky Richards, trainer. 4646 He wants good ground, maybe just on the easy side because he's a big horse. If the weather is looking favourable I want to come back here for the Future Champion if I can. Eddie (Melville, owner) is a Scotsman and I imagine he'd like to come back up here. If it's not looking too spring-like I might head to Aintree with him.-Nicky Richards, trainer.

Page 3 formcheltenham 12.03.15 2839 That was a relief after Eduard sprawled and lost his chance here in what was a good race here last time. He's a proper horse but we'll let the dust settle before we decide where he'll run next. - Nicky Richards, trainer. 4060 He is a lovely horse. He jumps, he settles and he stays. He's in at Cheltenham but I think we'll give that a miss and go for the race at Kelso and then probably Aintree. He'll stay three miles but Davy (Russell) said keep him to around two miles for the time being. - Nicky Richards, trainer

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Foxrock 11-10t 7-y-o bay gelding Life 5 6 15 172 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: T M Walsh 14-days: 1-0-2 rtf% 100 Sire: Flemensfirth (aei: 1.58) 14/05 1 3 5 172 G 0 0 0 0 Jockey: A P Heskin Dam: Midnight Light (aei: 4.20) Dist 2 0 2 164 GS-Hvy 5 6 15 172 Owner: Barry Connell G Sire: Roselier (awd: 16.0f, aei: 1.96) Crs 0 0 1 133 6-15rns 1 4 9 172 Breeder: Geoffrey Thompson Sales: 75,000GBP 3-y-o Class 1 0 0 1 133 11-8 to 12st 4 4 9 172

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4119a P 8Feb Leop G1Ch 6724.0y 2/8 3/4l Carlingford Lough (11-10) 11-10 7/2 A P Heskin kept on well without matching winner 158 74 172 3759a P 18Jan Leop ChHc 4721.0s 1/15 5l Byerley Babe (10-7) 11-8 6/1 A P Heskin stayed on well 149 30164 3329a P 27Dec14 Leop ChHc 9024.5hy 2/26 11/4l Living Next Door (10-9) 11-7 7/2F A P Heskin just held 2nd 142 - 160 2990a P 7Dec14 Punc ChHc 1322.0gy 3/13 43/4l Grand Jesture (10-13) 11-12 5/1 A P Heskin lost front shoes and slightly lame 14280150 2698a P 23Nov14 Navn HdHc 1723.0s 5/14 101/4l Pencilhimin (9-13) 11-3 8/1 A P Heskin kept on again from last 128 63 141 4741 H 11Mar14 Chel cls1NvLisAmCh51 32.0gs 9/15 131/2l Midnight Prayer (11-6) 11-6 3/1F Ms K Walsh blundered and weakened 2 out 143 83 133 4315a L 16Feb14 Navn NvG2Ch 21 24.0hy 1/5 1/2l My Murphy (11-3) 11-8 4/6F Danny Mullins rallied run-in and stayed on well to lead again close home 142 80 150 3791a P 18Jan14 Naas NvG2Ch 22 24.0sh 1/5 7l Sizing Gold (11-5) 11-5 11/8F Danny Mullins kept on well from last and extended advantage run-in 142 40 150 3404a P 29Dec13 Leop NvG1Ch 40 24.0ys 3/7 9l Carlingford Lough (11-10) 11-9 7/1 Danny Mullins not trouble principals - 75 148 2834a P 30Nov13 Fair Ch 721.5gy 1/17 3/4l Touch The Eden (11-12) 11-11 5/4F Danny Mullins kept on best under pressure run-in to lead near finish - 110 138 NOTE-BOOK 4119awas the revelation in the race as he made the almost successful graduation from very high-class handicapper. It was the run of his life. He jumped away in a handy position on the inner, looked as though he might struggle when coming off the bridle after three out but he responded tremendously to firstly dispense with the challenge of last year's Gold Cup winner and then really ran to the line. He was only just overhauled and it's a measure of his improvement how much closer he got to the winner than when finishing behind him in last season's Topaz Novice Chase over this course and distance. Whether to supplement him for the Gold Cup is the question. He seems to have earned the right to run. 3759awas all the rage for the Paddy Power at Christmas where he was sent off 7-2 favourite. His jumping wasn't as good as it can be there but he still managed to take second behind Living Next Door who was in receipt of 12lb. The worry here was the trip but his was much slicker over his fences and was always in the perfect spot, never worse than fourth or fifth.

Given that he stays much further, it was ominously to see Adrian Heskin still holding onto something before the home turn and a fine leap at the last sealed the deal. There isn't a clatter of top-class staying chasers in Ireland so he would have nothing to lose if he showed up in the Hennessy. He obviously likes Leopardstown and is improving 3329awas strongly fancied for this following his good run in third at Punchestown early in the month. Given his big weight, he was possibly in front a little sooner than ideal, but this was basically an honourable defeat for a horse who can almost certainly win a valuable staying handicap in due course. 2990ais almost certainly the horse to take from the race with the Paddy Power on the horizon. Winner of three of his six starts as a novice last season, he showed the benefit of last month's outing over hurdles at Navan, while still leaving an impression there could be a fair degree of improvement to come. He stayed on well after being tapped for speed when the tempo quickened. The extra two furlongs at Leopardstown will play to his strengths. It was reported afterwards that he had pulled off both his front shoes in running and was slightly lame post race. 2698a remains a horse of intrigue over fences and this was a nice return to action. He could well be next seen in the Paddy Power at Christmas. 4741 , way ahead of Rogue Angel two runs back, had seemed an ideal candidate for this having won two Graded contests since finishing third at the top level in December at Leopardstown. He proved the real gamble of the race and went through most of it like the class act. However, his jumping faltered on the final circuit and, despite being well placed three from home, he couldn't respond sufficiently when the race for home developed. The drying ground was no doubt against him and he's not one to write off. 4315a battled back after being headed and, such as it was given the winning margin, this was a snug win. He is a cracking type of horse who only seems to do enough and might not be a million miles off a Gold Cup horse next year if he continues to improve. He is as likeable as they come and would take all the beating in the National Hunt Chase should he go there. 3791a was deliberate at some of his jumps in the first half of the race and it took him a while to warm up, but when the race developed in earnest he was much better. In the end he simply ran the legs off of a more doubtful stayer in the shape of the runner-up. This ground suits him very well and whereas the 4m trip at Cheltenham would play to his strengths he probably wouldn't want good ground. 3404a looked cooked leaving the back straight. He had jumped well but was tapped for toe when the tempo increased. He was staying on with purpose when he got in a little close to the last and had to settle for third. He looks an out-and-out stayer and the four-miler at Cheltenham could come into Ted Walsh's mind now. 2834a raced in the leading group but as the pace increased he couldn't jump quickly enough on the ground and struggled to maintain his position. To his credit though he kept going and got a second wind from two out, staying on by far the best from the final fence to get there close to the line. He badly wants a trip and much softer ground. It was testament to his ability that he overcame those disadvantages to win. QUOTES 3759aTed Walsh, trainer of Foxrock: If he ran as well as in the Paddy Power I thought he was able and he was probably a better horse than in the Paddy Power. He quickened up well after the last and ran to the line. He jumped a bit high early on. He's only seven and will improve. He's finished in handicaps and if he's fresh and well he might run in the Hennessy or maybe the Bobbyjo, those type of races.

Barry Connell, owner of Foxrock: He ran into a bit of traffic in the Paddy Power and jumped a bit slow at the fourth-last and third-last but ran a cracker. It was only his second handicap and he learned from it. He has plenty of gears and the drop back to 2m5f wasn't really an issue. He winged the last and really sprinted away from it. He's probably entitled to have a go at the Hennessy. He's a progressive second season novice and the dream is still alive 4315aHe finds a bit for a smack and is strong at the end of his races, which is great. We'll see how he is [with regard to Cheltenham] in three weeks' time. He handles this ground well. He will be a nice chaser next season. - Ted Walsh, trainer. 3791aHe'll go for the Ten Up at Navan in a few weeks and then for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. That's been the plan all along. He's only a young horse so we're happier to go that route than the RSA Chase. Hopefully next year we'll have a horse that can step up to Grade 1 company. He handles that ground well and is going the right way. He got tight into a couple of fences but when he wanted him to jump from the fourth last he was very good, and even when he got a bit tight at a couple the engine was there to get him back. He's an exciting horse. - Barry Connell, owner

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Hidden Cyclone 11-10p 10-y-o bay gelding Life 11 6 24 169 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: John Joseph Hanlon 14-days: 0-1-3 rtf% 100 Sire: Stowaway (aei: 1.91) 14/05 1 1 4 166 G 1 3 5 169 Jockey: Andrew J McNamara Dam: Hurricane Debbie (aei: 12.76) Dist 0 2 4 169 GS-Hvy 10 3 19 169 Owner: Mrs A F Mee & David Mee G Sire: Shahanndeh (awd: 16.0f, aei: 0.20) Crs 0 2 2 169 6-15rns 6 4 13 169 Breeder: Ronald O'Neill Sales: 21,000euros 4-y-o Class 1 0 0 0 0 11-8 to 12st 5 4 13 169

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4006a L 1Feb Punc G2Ch 2216.0s 1/6 5l Bright New Dawn (11-10) 11-4 6/5F Andrew J McNamara comfortably 160 147 166 3326a P 27Dec14 Leop G1Ch 5117.0hy 2/9 43/4l Twinlight (11-12) 11-12 7/1 Andrew J McNamara kept on well run-in without matching winner 160 148 165 2626a L 20Nov14 Thur LisCh 1422.0s F/8 Home Farm (11-0) 11-7 6/4J Andrew J McNamara rallied for pressure in 2nd and under 1 length down when fell last 160 - 160 11a P 29Apr14 Punc G1Ch 104 16.0g F/8 (11-12) 11-12 10/3F Andrew J McNamara close up on outer when fell 5th 160 -- 4766 P 13Mar14 Chel cls1G1Ch 157 21.0g 2/11 21/4l Dynaste (11-10) 11-10 10/1 Andrew J McNamara not going pace of winner 156 161 169 3773 L 18Jan14 Asct cls1G1Ch 60 17.0hy 2/7 11l Sire De Grugy (11-7) 11-7 4/1 Andrew J McNamara soon left behind by winner 155 149 169 3338a P 27Dec13 Leop G1Ch 5317.0s 2/7 3/4l Benefficient (11-12) 11-12 8/1 Andrew J McNamara held 153 151 169 2503 L 16Nov13 Chel cls1G3ChHc92 20.5g 3/20 21/4l Johns Spirit (10-2) 11-1 20/1 Andrew J McNamara lost 2nd close home 152 130 164 1613a P 20Sep13 List Ch 1220.0s 1/7 2l Forpadydeplasterer (11-2) 11-6 2/1 Andrew J McNamara ridden and kept on well run-in 148 128 158 1157a L 30Jul13 Gway Ch 1322.0g 2/5 6l Rathlin (11-10) 11-10 7/2 Andrew J McNamara kept on same pace 149 132 156 NOTE-BOOK 4006a travelled like a horse on top of his game. He poured it on from the third-last and was in total command thereafter. The Queen Mother Champion Chase looks the ideal race now. He does stay further but showed at Leopardstown at Christmas that he can lie up with a strong gallop and seems better than ever this season. He goes to Cheltenham with a sporting chance and looks sure to run well. 3326awas yet again denied a big win. Andrew McNamara probably knows him more intimately than any rider and seems to get him to jump. For him to stay in the first two almost throughout is testament to the horse's ability, for all that is stamina is well-established. Perhaps connections will consider the Champion Chase over the Ryanair, though it remains to be seen what happens with the big players who have yet to be seen this season. No horse deserves a Grade 1 win more than him. His jumping was excellent in the main. 2626amade a couple of mistakes but overall he really bowled along and mostly jumped very well. It was pleasing the way he battled back to have every chance again at the last but he took what could be described as a novicey fall. He got up and hopefully it won't have left it's mark, in every other respect it was a very satisfactory return. 11a was by far the most popular in the bettting and raced enthusiastically until his fall. He sustained a nasty gash but should be fine.

Page 4 formcheltenham 12.03.15 4766 was always up there and made a really bold bid, only giving way after the last. He relished the better ground and reverting to a left-handed circuit, looking to run very close to the form of his Paddy Power Gold Cup third here back in November. 3773 coped well with the shorter trip when runner-up in a Grade 1 over 2m1f at Leopardstown at Christmas, but that race played into the hands of the stronger stayers, and he did himself few favours here by jumping sloppily. He’s clearly got an engine, but isn’t a true two-miler. 3338a, third in the Paddy Power Gold Cup on his previous start, had ground conditions in his favour and had no problems with the drop in distance. He raced in second place, closing on the leader six out and going to the front between the last two fences after pecking two out. The winner crossed him after the last but he rallied when switched and was closing towards the finish. A lengthy stewards' inquiry followed but the result stood and connections of the runner-up intend appealing the decision. 2503 was put by for this after winning well at Listowel in September. He's another talented chaser and, faring best of those carrying over 11 stone this was right up with his best efforts. 1613a's jumping is still a bit of a bugbear. When he concentrates and attacks his fences he can look very good and he clearly has the type of engine that can see off most horses. On the other hand he can be very sloppy and miss out the odd one, and as his jump at the final fence showed, he sometimes looks as though he's never seen a fence before. He clearly has a lot of the qualities you would like to see in a good horse, but he has enough failings that will count against him when he really steps up in grade. 1157a was a shade keen early on and his rider sent him on. He can be a bit hit-and-miss over fences and he was not as good as the winner. He has his limitations but there was no shame in this first run back. QUOTES 4006aThe ground drying out was a bit help to him. He jumped great and has a good cruising speed. He'll probably go for the Queen Mother. Shark Hanlon, trainer 3773 He didn't jump as well as he did at Leopardstown and I think he is better going the other way round but it didn't alter the result - we were beaten by a very good horse. He will have a three week break and probably go to Cheltenham as even if Sprinter Sacre runs he has questions to answer. Shark Hanlon, trainer 1613aHis jumping was a bit sketchy. At the last Andrew tried to put him right but he ended up putting him completely wrong but he gave him a very confident ride. Once he took it up around the bottom bend the race was over. He's my stable star and I suppose he wasn't right most of last season. The plan before we came here was to go for the Paddy Power. He needs to tidy his jumping a good bit though! - Shark Hanlon, trainer.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Johns Spirit 11-10 8-y-o bay gelding Life 7 9 25 167 GF-Hd 0 1 1 0 Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill 14-days: 6-1-22 rtf% 35 Sire: Gold Well (aei: 1.77) 14/05 1 1 3 167 G 2 3 8 156 Jockey: Richie McLernon Dam: Gilt Ridden (aei: 14.01) Dist 2 1 6 166 GS-Hvy 5 5 16 167 Owner: Christopher W T Johnston G Sire: Heron Island (awd: 12.0f, aei: 0.79) Crs 3 2 8 166 6-15rns 4 6 16 167 Breeder: Arctic Tack Stud & Crossogue Stud Sales: 17,000euros yearling Class 1 0 1 4 143 11-8 to 12st 1 3 6 167

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 3249 H 26Dec14 Kemp cls1G1Ch 114 24.0gs 6/10 161/2l Silviniaco Conti (11-10) 11-10 25/1 Richie McLernon steadily weakened 160 134 167 2492 H 15Nov14 Chel cls1G3ChHc92 20.5s 2/18 hd Caid Du Berlais (10-13) 11-12 8/1 Richie McLernon caught final strides 156 93 166 1945 H 18Oct14 Chel cls2ChHc 32 20.0gs 1/11 1l Persian Snow (10-11) 11-7 5/1F Richie McLernon pushed out 147 130 163 5170 H 5Apr14 Aint cls1LisChHc35 25.0g 10/17 261/4l Duke Of Lucca (10-7) 11-7 8/1 Richie McLernon weakened approaching 2 out 148 86 141 4768 H 13Mar14 Chel cls1G3ChHc52 20.0g 4/23 151/2l Ballynagour (10-9) 11-3 9/1 Richie McLernon one pace approaching last 148 106 151 3082 H 14Dec13 Chel cls1G3ChHc57 21.0g 5/13 141/2l Double Ross (10-8) 11-9 11/2 Richie McLernon well held when hit last 148 130 149 2503 H 16Nov13 Chel cls1G3ChHc92 20.5g 1/20 3/4l Colour Squadron (10-2) 10-2 7/1 Richie McLernon held on well 139 119 156 1969 H 19Oct13 Chel cls2ChHc 32 20.0g 1/16 31/2l Rob Conti (10-1) 10-3 5/1 Richie McLernon readily 129 126 145 5406 H 20Apr13 Ayr cls2NvChHc39 25.0g 3/7 18l Netminder (10-0) 11-2 10/3 Dougie Costello kept on one pace to take modest 3rd run-in 131 75 135 5176 H 6Apr13 Aint cls1LisChHc35 25.0g 3/18 183/4l Battle Group (10-9) 10-11 12/1 Richie McLernon disputed 2nd last no extra towards finish 133 117 143 NOTE-BOOK 3249 travelled well into the race, as is often the case, but his stamina gave way, a mistake at the top of the straight not helping. 2492 came there travelling strongly and was delivered to have every chance of repeating last year's success off a 17lb higher mark, but was just run out of it close home. He wouldn't be far off being a serious Ryanair contender on this evidence, and 16-1 isn't a bad price, with further improvement back on good ground not out of the question. 1945 , who took this on his reappearance last season before going on to win the Paddy Power, was 18lb higher than last year but repeated the trick. Held up as usual, he moved up running down the hill and won this a shade cosily. He looks likely to be a major player back here next month. 5170 , 15lb higher than when third in this race last year, made a bad mistake when trying to get closer jumping the 15th and despite getting on the to the heels of the leaders before three out, he was soon on the retreat again. All his very best form has come over shorter. 4768 , a course specialist who had his ground, was produced to have his chance yet failed to confirm his previous course form with the runner-up on 2lb worse terms. The handicapper seemingly has his measure. 3082 , put up 9lb for his Paddy Power Gold Cup win, was held up as usual but could never get closer than fifth, and his improvement might have flattened out. The last horse to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup and this race in the same season remains Jonjo O'Neill's Exotic Dancer in 2006. 2503 , just seventh at the festival back in March, has turned inside out since returning from his summer break and followed up his C&D success at the October meeting here despite a 10lb rise in the weights. He needs delivering late and rider Richie McLernon rode him confidently in last place. He began to make his move from four out and probably got to the front soon enough in the home straight, as he did idle after the last. While life will be plenty harder from here on, his come-from-behind style dictates there could well be more to come yet and he has time on his side being just a 6-y-o. He does get further, but this looks his optimum trip and it will be interesting to see how much he's hiked up by the handicapper now. The December Gold Cup back here next month is an obvious next step. 1969 had shaped better than the bare form when seventh in the Listed novice handicap at last season's Festival, rallying after belting four out, and the market spoke very positively of his chances here. Spotted travelling all over his rivals just off the lead three from home, a slightly scruffy jump there did nothing to halt his momentum and there was only going to be one outcome once he skipped away from the last quickest. Unsurprisingly the Paddy Power Gold Cup is under consideration, but note that the last seven winners of today's event all next reappeared in the Paddy Power, finishing 43F2853, and you've got to go back 12 years to find the most recent winner of both races in the same season. 5406 was held up as usual before staying on in the straight, but never looked like troubling the first two. He might make up into a long-distance chaser next season. 5176 was patiently ridden as is usual but, much like the runner-up, couldn't trouble Battle Group once that rival kicked on. That said, his run can't have been far off his best. QUOTES 2492 Jonjo O'Neil, trainer of Johns Spirit: He ran a cracking race. I'm thrilled to bits with him. The weight just beat him. It was a bit of a sickener watching it and halfway up the hill you could start to feel it happening. That's Cheltenham for you, though, and that's the hill. 1945 He might come back again for the feature race next month depending on what the handicapper does with him. We might have to look at other options for him and in that case something like the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. - Jonjo O'Neill, trainer. 2503 Richie [McLernon] knows him well and you’ve just got to put him to sleep, which is not an advantage in a race like this but I was always comfortable with where he was until he hit the front - I was thinking that’s a bit early. He was idling all the way up to the line but he stuck his head out. We’ll probably come back here – hopefully [December Gold Cup]. We’ll see what the handicapper does – he can’t do much we only won a neck. This was the plan up to now and we’ll enjoy this. - Jonjo O'Neill, trainer. 1969 Johns Spirit is likely to come back to the course for the Paddy Power Gold Cup next month. He appreciated the good ground and I'm not sure he would want it too soft - Guy Upton, assistant trainer

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Taquin Du Seuil 11-10 8-y-o bay or brown gelding Life 7 2 15 168 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Jonjo O'Neill 14-days: 6-1-22 rtf% 35 Sire: Voix Du Nord (aei: 3.23) 14/05 0 1 4 164 G 2 1 4 168 Jockey: Noel Fehily Dam: Sweet Laly (aei: 11.70) Dist 3 0 6 161 GS-Hvy 5 1 11 161 Owner: Martin Broughton & Friends 1 G Sire: Marchand De Sable (awd: 7.5f, aei: 4.38) Crs 2 0 4 168 6-15rns 3 2 9 168 Breeder: Marc Boudot Class 1 0 0 0 0 11-8 to 12st 0 0 1 149

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4082 H 7Feb Newb cls1G2Ch 29 24.0s 4/6 15l Coneygree (11-5) 11-5 9/2 A P McCoy outpaced from next 159 140 160 2663 P 22Nov14 Hayd cls1G1Ch 113 25.0s PU/9 Silviniaco Conti (11-7) 11-7 9/2 Barry Geraghty behind when pulled up after 14th 159 -- 2204 P 1Nov14 Weth cls1G2Ch 57 25.0g 2/7 4l Menorah (11-10) 11-5 10/3 A P McCoy stayed on to take 2nd post 159 98 164 1837 P 10Oct14 NAbb cls2Ch 19 21.5s 3/5 24l Wonderful Charm (11-10) 11-10 7/2 Richie McLernon soon weakened 159 94 149 4764 H 13Mar14 Chel cls1NvG1Ch69 20.0g 1/12 3/4l Uxizandre (11-4) 11-4 7/1 A P McCoy stayed on well 147 135 168 3777 H 18Jan14 Hayd cls1NvG2Ch18 21.0hy 1/4 17l Coverholder (11-4) 11-7 8/11F A P McCoy very easily 147 - 161 3456 P 1Jan14 Chel cls1NvG2Ch19 21.0s 2/4 3/4l Oscar Whisky (11-7) 11-7 6/4 A P McCoy tried to rally and kept on but always just held 147 120 158 2950 P 7Dec13 Sand cls1NvG1Ch23 16.0g 3/6 81/4l Hinterland (11-2) 11-2 9/4F A P McCoy stayed on from 2 out to take 3rd flat 147 124 156 2489 P 15Nov13 Chel cls2NvCh 13 20.5g 1/4 nk Oscar Whisky (11-2) 11-7 3/1 A P McCoy driven out - 36 154 2151 H 29Oct13 Ffos cls4NvCh 5 16.0hy 1/4 2l Bob Ford (11-2) 11-2 4/9F A P McCoy very easily - 128 152 NOTE-BOOK 4082 was slightly on his toes. Found to have a blood disorder after pulling up in the Betfair Chase, he was expected to put that behind him with his yard in much better nick now. He did move up into third, but could never threaten the winner and didn't prove he stayed. 2663 , who stayed on to divide Menorah and Double Ross at Wetherby, was trying cheekpieces for the first time. Pulled up after a mistake down the back, this was disappointing but he's still unexposed at this sort of trip.

Page 5 formcheltenham 12.03.15 2204 , a Grade 1 winner at the last season, was stepping up in distance here and put a below-par return behind him. He tracked the pace on the rail, but was a little keen early and, although he stayed on to grab second, didn’t pick up quite as well as expected. He is worth another go at the trip though. 1837 , rated 159 after signing off with success at the Cheltenham Festival in March, was surprisingly making an early comeback with his season expected to revolve around testing potential Gold Cup credentials. Easy to back, he raced wide and put in some indifferent jumps before tiring from the third-last. This obviously wasn't his true form but it leaves him with something to prove and his trainer was understandably disappointed. 4764 dug deep up the run-in and just did enough to land his biggest prize yet. The Grade 2 he won at Haydock on his previous outing fell apart and, remembering how one-paced he proved in last year's Neptune, the worry about him here was the surface. The race was timed perfectly for him, though, as the watered surface no doubt played into his hands. He deserves credit for being the only one held up to play a part at the business end, though, and he has some engine as he wasn't always foot perfect on this ground. This also advertises his game attitude, and he's likely to be campaigned with the Gold Cup in mind next term. He was given an ante-post quote of 25-1 for that. 3777 came home an easy winner after his main rival pulled up. Although he lost out in his rematch with Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, he did set the clear standard in this field and we know we does adore a deep surface. He was in complete control prior to not impressing two out and was allowed to run down the last, but he was in front plenty soon enough for his liking. Now 3-6 over fences, he will likely now head straight to Cheltenham in March full of confidence. It will be interesting to see which entry he takes up and his chance would of course be enhanced there by any cut underfoot, but that this stage the Grade 1 JLT would be favourite. He's a general 8-1 shot for that, but was trimmed into as short as 10-1 for the RSA. 3456 was expected to be suited by the return to this trip, having found 2m too sharp behind Hinterland and Grandouet in the Racing Post Henry VII at Sandown. He was always going to cope with this ground and was produced to have every chance, but Oscar Whisky just did him for toe, a stumble at the last not affecting the outcome. He's a smart novice. 2950 was able to outsprint Oscar Whisky in a farce of a race at Cheltenham last time, but he was found wanting for pace in top company on this drop to 2m, making numerous mistakes and proving no match for the front pair. He wasn’t beaten that far ultimately, though, and can yet make his mark at this level over further, with a return to softer ground likely to be in his favour, marking him down as a likely type for the Jewson. 2489 followed up his cosy success first time up over fences with a tenacious display conceding a penalty to high-class hurdler Oscar Whisky. He'd shown a real liking for deeper ground in the past and he proved relatively easy to back on this sounder surface up in class. He took time to settle, but the tactical nature of the race suited him much more than the runner-up and he saw out the extra distance gamely up the run-in. He had the benefit of match practice, but it was still a decent effort giving weight away to such a rival and, crucially, he's now proven his effectiveness for this venue. Jonjo O'Neill rates him very highly and, not yet exposed, no doubt this 6yo is a big player for top novice chases going forward this season. However, this ground is probably as quick as he prefers – he again showed a high knee action through the race – and connections will be praying for another wet spring leading up to the Festival in March. He could head next for the Grade 2 over this trip at Newbury's Hennessy meeting, or perhaps he'll drop back in trip to test his potential Arkle credentials. 2151 , returning from an eight-month break, arrived with far superior novice hurdling form to that of his rivals. He was entitled to win this with his head in his chest on chase debut, and duly did so over a trip short of his best. He's happiest on soft ground or worse, and a winter target such as the Grade 1 Scilly Isles contest at Sandown in February looks viable. QUOTES 2204 was delighted, that was a great run. He would have been better with a better gallop, he jumps better with that, but I was very pleased with him. He wants softer ground but he definitely stayed. The plan is to go for the Betfair Chase. - Jonjo O'Neill, trainer 4764 I did try him over two miles at Sandown, AP said afterwards we probably didn't do the right things with him that day. He is proven at this trip and hopefully he'll step up to the Gold Cup trip. He won over a mile seven on the Flat in France, you don't know until you run them but if he does get the trip he is a proper horse. Jonjo O'Neill, trainer 3777 That was grand, just the job. Obviously the other one dropped out very quickly and I don't know how strong the race was at the end of the day but you can only beat what is in front of you and her jumped nicely apart from the second last. He loved the condition and he is just a good horse. He might go for the Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown if he comes out of this okay, he is gaining experience all the time and he is learning every time he runs. We hope he will go to Cheltenham, he will be entered for the Arkle (in case it is heavy ground), the JLT over two and a half miles and the RSA. Jonjo O'Neill, trainer 2489 He'll be trained with the festival in mind rather than a specific race. Personally, I think he might prove best at two miles but he's won over two and a half so that's an option as well. I wouldn't be going as far as three miles with him. If he goes that far he's a world beater!-Jonjo O'Neill, trainer. 2151 Taquin De Seuil has won as he should do considering his hurdles rating. He has got loads of scope and can only go on from here wherever Jonjo decides to run him next. - Tony McCoy, jockey.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Third Intention 11-10t 8-y-o bay gelding Life 6 6 30 161 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: 14-days: 0-3-10 rtf% 40 Sire: Azamour (awd: 10.5f, aei: 2.75) 14/05 2 0 5 161 G 3 1 9 161 Jockey: Daryl Jacob Dam: Third Dimension (awd: 15.9f, aei: 14.58) Dist 1 0 5 161 GS-Hvy 3 5 21 161 Owner: Robert And Sarah Tizzard G Sire: Suave Dancer (awd: 10.8f, aei: 1.20) Crs 2 2 10 154 6-15rns 1 4 12 161 Breeder: Richard Klay And Dr M Klay Sales: 20,000gns foal Class 1 0 0 1 0 11-8 to 12st 0 2 4 151

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4070 L 6Feb Kemp cls2Ch 1320.5gs 1/4 3/4l Josses Hill (10-10) 11-7 7/1 Daryl Jacob driven and kept on well 151 138 161 3733 P 17Jan Hayd cls2Ch 1321.0hy F/6 Mwaleshi (11-7) 11-7 7/4 Brendan Powell 3rd when fell 5th 151 -- 3313 - 27Dec14 Kemp cls1G2Ch 47 16.0s 3/5 211/4l Special Tiara (11-0) 11-6 9/1 Nick Scholfield no progress 151 133 151 2948 P 6Dec14 Sand cls1G1Ch 86 16.0s 5/10 13l Dodging Bullets (11-7) 11-7 20/1 Brendan Powell no danger 151 116 160 2646 P 21Nov14 Hayd cls2Ch 17 16.5s 1/4 17l Mwaleshi (11-7) 11-7 10/3 Daryl Jacob reminders run-in 142 - 161 4768 P 13Mar14 Chel cls1G3ChHc52 20.0g 5/23 163/4l Ballynagour (10-9) 10-12 7/1 Joe Tizzard weakened last 143 99 147 4262 P 15Feb14 Asct cls1NvG2Ch19 24.0s 3/6 7l O'Faolains Boy (11-0) 11-7 20/1 Joe Tizzard weakened final 100yds 143 97 154 3260 P 26Dec13 Kemp cls1NvG1Ch40 24.0s 3/5 18l Annacotty (11-7) 11-7 6/1 Joe Tizzard took modest 3rd before last 147 102 140 2756 P 28Nov13 Newb cls1NvG2Ch19 24.0gs 2/5 14l Just A Par (11-2) 11-9 11/8 Joe Tizzard no chance under pressure soon after but well clear of 3rd 151 131 148 2374 L 9Nov13 Winc cls1NvG2Ch18 21.0gs 3/4 11l Wonderful Charm (11-8) 11-8 3/1 Joe Tizzard kept on same pace from last 151 84 151 NOTE-BOOK 4070 was slightly on his toes. Vastly more experienced over fences than his three rivals, he set the pace but seemed likely to drop away when headed by the third horse approaching four out. However, he refused to go away and had battled his way back to the front between the last two fences, with a slick jump at the last sealing it. Now 3-18 over fences, he has only beaten a total of seven rivals in gaining those three wins, but this was a cracking effort in giving away 11lb to the other three. He holds an entry in the Ryanair. 3733 , the form pick but a hard horse to win with, got a bit low at the fifth and crumpled on landing. 3313 couldn't go the strong gallop and was running on fumes in the home straight. He was also one place off the runner-up at Sandown last time and puts the form into some perspective. 2948 , a revelation dropped back to 2m in a minor contest at Haydock last time, didn't have the pace to cut it at this trip in a much stronger race, predictably doing his best work late. 2646 , with cheekpieces left off for this drop in trip on this first run since finishing a respectable fifth on his handicap debut at the Cheltenham Festival, probably didn't have to improve too much to win with plenty in hand given his rivals seemingly underperformed. However, there was plenty to like about the way he travelled and jumped, he's unexposed over this trip and is the type to win again. 4768 , placed behind subsequent RSA winner O'Faolains Boy in the Reynoldstown at Ascot last month, was feasibly treated returned to handicap company and dropping back in trip. He looked a big player turning for home, but felt the pinch before hitting the penultimate fence and is a hard horse to win with. 4262 , although running poorly in the Feltham last time, is a fairly reliable second-season novice and he kept plodding away when others had cried enough. It’s surely worth exploring the handicap route with him at the festival. 3260 began to labour in the back straight on the second circuit and didn't give his running, but did plug on for third. Also third in this last year, he's been placed in eight Grade 1 or 2 chases now but his only win over fences came in a match. 2756 set a decent level for his rivals to aim at, but was easily held once the winner quickened away going to the last. He's the sort to keep picking up plenty of prize money wherever he turns up, but will be vulnerable to something with a bit more potential. 2374 finally gained a first chasing success when winning a match at Cheltenham in mid-October, but this was a little disappointing considering he was able to control the gallop. QUOTES 4070 That was lovely and Third Intention has given him a lot of weight. He likes these small fields and I said to Daryl just to go out and enjoy himself. In the past he's folded when headed, but not today. It looked as if he'd be third, but he's come back well. We'll look at the handicaps at the festival, and he's also in the Ryanair, but I'd like to see him over the big fences at Aintree, as he jumps so well - Joe Tizzard, trainer's representative. 2646 Trainer Colin Tizzard: Third Intention has won so far you have to wonder whether the rest have performed. He's been running in Graded races all his life and this was the ideal race for him. He could go for another graduation chase as he's won two over fences. We still don't know whether he's better over two miles or three.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Uxizandre 11-10v 7-y-o chestnut gelding Life 6 4 16 170 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Alan King 14-days: 5-3-19 rtf% 42 Sire: Fragrant Mix (aei: 2.13) 14/05 1 0 4 170 G 1 1 3 166 Jockey: A P McCoy Dam: Jolisandre (aei: 19.65) Dist 0 1 2 147 GS-Hvy 5 3 13 170 Owner: John P McManus G Sire: Dear Doctor (awd: 10.6f, aei: 0.32) Crs 1 1 2 170 6-15rns 3 3 10 170 Breeder: Frederic Aimez Sales: 100,000GBP 5-y-o Class 1 1 0 1 170 11-8 to 12st 2 1 6 168

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4083 L 7Feb Newb cls1G2Ch 30 17.0s UR/5 Mr Mole (11-6) 11-10 9/2 Barry Geraghty 12 lengths down when blundered and unseated rider last 161 - 168 3326a L 27Dec14 Leop G1Ch 5117.0hy 8/9 301/2l Twinlight (11-12) 11-12 2/1F A P McCoy no extra 161 117 141 2522 L 16Nov14 Chel cls1LisCh 40 16.0s 1/6 13/4l Simply Ned (11-4) 11-5 15/8F Barry Geraghty ran on strongly 158 129 170 2048 P 25Oct14 Aint cls1G2ChHc40 20.0g 4/12 16l Wishfull Thinking (11-8) 11-4 2/1F Barry Geraghty no impression 158 128 156 5137 P 3Apr14 Aint cls1NvG1Ch51 20.0g 1/5 11/2l Oscar Whisky (11-4) 11-4 11/4 A P McCoy driven out run-in 153 127 166

Page 6 formcheltenham 12.03.15

4764 L 13Mar14 Chel cls1NvG1Ch69 20.0g 2/12 3/4l Taquin Du Seuil (11-4) 11-4 33/1 Robert Thornton not going pace of winner 148 134 164 4400 H 21Feb14 Wwck cls2ChHc 19 20.5s 5/6 183/4l Persian Snow (10-8) 11-12 5/2J A P McCoy modest headway run-in 150 126 147 2565 L 18Nov13 Plum cls3NvCh 7 20.0gs 1/5 17l Funny Star (11-1) 11-8 8/11F A P McCoy easily 142 127 157 2005 P 21Oct13 Plum cls3NvChHc 9 20.0s 1/4 nk De Blacksmith (10-5) 11-3 11/10F A P McCoy ran on well 135 95 146 5161 - 5Apr13 Aint cls1NvG1Hd57 24.5gs 5/9 191/2l At Fishers Cross (11-4) 11-4 16/1 Wayne Hutchinson weakened after last 135 70 137 NOTE-BOOK 4083 didn't jump out to his left as he had at Leopardstown, but was soon brushed aside when headed and was well held when parting company with Geraghty at the last. He hasn't gone on from his win at Cheltenham in November, when he had Dodging Bullets in third. 3326awas probably the one horse from start to finish you would not want to be on. He jumped left, into the wing of fences at times, and was clearly going to back-pedal from a long way out. The gallop found him out and he should not be judged too harshly on this. 2522 , runner-up in the JLT at the festival, clearly stays further, but he's always shown pace, and his jumping is his great asset. Apparently he doesn't like to be crowded, and in this small field he had no rival for the early lead, so Geraghty was able to dictate a pace to suit himself and save enough so that he could see off his challengers up the hill. It would be dangerous to assume he simply nicked it, though, and being only a 6yo he has the potential to improve further. Now generally 20-1 for the Champion Chase, and 12-1 for the Ryanair, he needs to go left-handed, which rules out the Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid, so a trip to Leopardstown over Christmas was mentioned as a possibility. 2048 , strongly fancied for this seasonal return, went without cheekpieces and moved strongly for a long way. He lacked an extra gear from the second-last and just shaped as though the run would do him good. Perhaps the headgear will return if he heads next for the Paddy Power Gold Cup as is expected. 5137 , although taken on for the lead this time, found plenty for strong pressure and always looked like doing enough from the last. Fitted with first-time cheekpieces and switched to front-running tactics when showing much-improved form in the JLT at Cheltenham, he jumped well throughout, even if tending to go out to his left, and certainly shapes as though he won't be troubled by a return to 3m, although interesting his rider feels he'd have the pace to come back in trip. He has to go left-handed, so his options will be limited next season, and the Ryanair appeals as the obvious target. 4764 ran a shocker on his return at Warwick in a handicap last month and had it to prove. He had seemed graded material on his two previous outings as a chaser, however, and his trainer's runners had been in good form this week. The ex-French 6yo bounced right back with a cracking effort from the front, albeit he had the run of the race, and the switch of tactics plus re-applied cheekpieces did the trick. 4400 bidding to maintain his unbeaten record over fences off an 8lb higher mark following two successes at Plumpton, was switched off in a detached last early but although he moved a little closer at halfway, he never looked that comfortable and the writing was on the wall after a slow jump five from home. He holds four entries at the festival, but has plenty to prove now. 2565 stamped his authority nearing the home straight and easily followed up his C&D handicap success when resuming last month. He did very well to score that day, considering he whacked the second-last and his jumping was again extravagant at times here. He got in close to the penultimate fence, but was clever at it and this confirms him a smart chaser in the making. Long term, remembering the bonus paid out for winning at this venue and then the Cheltenham Festival, the 2m4f Jewson Novices' Chase, promoted to Grade 1 status this season, looks the most likely end goal for him in March. 2005 produced a cracking effort to prevail considering he got the penultimate fence all wrong. Alan King's 5yo was a useful novice hurdler last term and being snapped up by leading owner JP McManus in his off season suggested a decent future is predicted for him over fences. Well backed for his handicap debut, he almost travelled too strongly through the race and jumped promisingly prior to whacking two out. AP McCoy did very well to sit tight and, typically, galvanised him to get back up after the last. He ought to learn plenty, we know he gets 3m well, and a return to Graded company looks on the cards. Indeed there ought to be decent pot in him this season. 5161 wasn't discredited, but appeared to find this all a bit too competitive upped in class on faster ground. He's bred to make a better chaser. QUOTES 2522 Alan King, trainer of Uxizandre: I don't think the trip matters and he's won over three as well. The key to him is he has to go left-handed so we could be looking at going to Leopardstown over Christmas with him. Whether it's the Queen Mother or the Ryanair I don't know but it's a nice problem to have. 5137 I thought if he ran as well as he did at Cheltenham he'd at least test them. He has to go left-handed. Alan King, trainer You could never ride him right-handed. The Ryanair might be the race for him, but he could even come back in trip as he has plenty of pace. - AP McCoy, jocke 2565 He was very brave early but is still learning. He thinks he is big although he is not overbig - he has got a big heart and is very athletic. Like last time he came off the last bend in front and started to pull up on me.-Tony McCoy, rider.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wishfull Thinking 11-10t 12-y-o chestnut gelding Life 12 8 36 174 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Philip Hobbs 14-days: 4-6-19 rtf% 65 Sire: Alflora (aei: 1.07) 14/05 2 0 4 174 G 2 6 15 174 Jockey: Richard Johnson Dam: Poussetiere Deux (aei: 9.96) Dist 5 1 9 171 GS-Hvy 10 2 21 171 Owner: Mrs Diana L Whateley G Sire: Garde Royale (awd: 11.2f, aei: 5.31) Crs 3 2 11 169 6-15rns 8 8 26 174 Breeder: Cobhall Court Stud Sales: 15,000GBG foal Class 1 0 1 2 160 11-8 to 12st 5 4 15 174

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 3249 L 26Dec14 Kemp cls1G1Ch 114 24.0gs PU/10 Silviniaco Conti (11-10) 11-10 20/1 Barry Geraghty tailed off when pulled up after 11th 167 -- 2967 L 7Dec14 Hntg cls1G2Ch 35 20.5gs 1/6 11/2l Eduard (11-5) 11-6 13/2 Richard Johnson ridden out 167 151 171 2654 H 22Nov14 Asct cls1G2Ch 29 19.0s 3/6 9l (11-11) 11-7 9/2 Tom O'Brien kept on to take 3rd flat 169 122 163 2048 L 25Oct14 Aint cls1G2ChHc40 20.0g 1/12 12l Edgardo Sol (10-10) 11-8 14/1 Richard Johnson ran on well 162 147 174 5155 P 4Apr14 Aint cls1G1Ch 113 20.0g 8/10 191/4l Boston Bob (11-10) 11-10 9/2 Richard Johnson lost place approaching 3 out 162 115 148 4753 H 12Mar14 Chel cls1G1Ch 200 16.0g 5/11 13l Sire De Grugy (11-10) 11-10 18/1 Richard Johnson stayed on well from last but not reach leaders 162 140 164 3887 H 25Jan14 Chel cls1G3ChHc29 21.0hy 1/10 13/4l Double Ross (11-4) 11-12 9/1 Richard Johnson stayed on strongly final 75yds 156150169 2938 H 7Dec13 Aint cls1LisCh 18 25.0gs 2/6 7l Unioniste (11-6) 11-10 9/1 Richard Johnson kept on same pace run-in when unable to go with winner 156 143 160 2503 P 16Nov13 Chel cls1G3ChHc92 20.5g 6/20 121/2l Johns Spirit (10-2) 11-7 33/1 Richard Johnson weakened 3 out 158 126 163 2071 H 26Oct13 Aint cls1G2ChHc43 20.0g 6/11 241/4l Conquisto (11-0) 11-10 7/1 Richard Johnson no chance after 160 134 151 NOTE-BOOK 2967 produced a terrific display of jumping in front before finding more to fend off a pair of rivals five years his junior. His Old Roan Chase win at Aintree was just about a career best and he remains a highly effective operator when ground conditions are right. He's in the King George, but while he should stay the 3m he would surely find that level of competition too hot. 2654 , who won the Old Roan Chase from a mark of 162 on reappearance, has difficulties with his breathing so the softer ground wouldn't have been to his liking, but he still ran well, keeping on without posing a serious threat. 2048 made it third time lucky in the race with an outstanding display. He had been beaten in this race on his reappearance the past two seasons, totally flopping last year, and was unsurprisingly easy to back. He has a real bit of class about him on his day, however, and he slammed his younger rivals. There was so much to like about the way he made up ground in the home straight and he flew the final fence. A return to the Open meeting at Cheltenham next month is now eagerly awaited. 5155 , running on late in a weak running of the Champion Chase, could have been expected to do better back over a more suitable trip 4753 couldn't go the pace under these conditions. 3887 ground it out up the run-in and got his head in tremendously game fashion. He seemed likely to win a Listed event before being outstayed by Unioniste at Aintree on his debut over 3m in November and looked high enough in the weights back in a handicap, considering he took this in 2011 off 8lb lower. His trainer is having a decent time of it this season, however, in contrast to this time last year, and his liking for this circuit was a big asset in such company. His attitude was spot on from the penultimate fence and he deserves to come back again for the festival in March. The veteran deserves to have a crack at the Ryanair in March, for which ante-post odds range from as short as 16-1 to as large as 33-1. There is also the Grand National meeting at Aintree, a festival he won at as a novice chaser, to consider later on. 2938 , sixth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup last month, seemed likely to resume winning ways nearing the penultimate fence. However, he had duelled for the lead and ultimately bumped into a stronger stayer on the day. This was his first outing over the longer trip and, while he's not simple to place these days, a more patient ride over 3m could see him go one better again. 2503 , who won over 2m at this meeting last year, wasn't near his best when returning at Aintree last time out and had a bit to prove. He ran much more encouragingly in the face of a tricky task and is now back on track. 2071 was the class act in the race and finished runner-up in this last year off 4lb higher. He jumped poorly early on and, after threatening to get involved leaving the back straight, flattened out after being hampered four from home. He's much better than this. QUOTES 2967 He loves flat tracks like this and something like the at Aintree would be an ideal long-range target. - Sarah Hobbs, assistant trainer. 2048 Sarah Hobbs, wife of Philip, trainer of Wishfull Thinking: He?s been a star for us. He was fresh and well and Richard (Johnson) said when they started to come back to him he picked up really well and ballooned the last. The ground was perfect for him as he struggles with his wind on tacky ground. 3887 He's not in the Ryanair Chase, but he's in the Champion Chase, where there would be option for place money, or a handicap is a possibility. The ideal race for him would be at Aintree. - Philip Hobbs, trainer.

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wonderful Charm 11-10tp 7-y-o bay gelding Life 6 3 18 170 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: Paul Nicholls 14-days: 3-5-14 rtf% 64 Sire: Poliglote (awd: 10.6f, aei: 3.73) 14/05 1 0 4 170 G 1 1 4 163 Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Dam: Victoria Royale (aei: 11.68) Dist 3 1 5 170 GS-Hvy 5 2 14 170 Owner: R J H Geffen G Sire: Garde Royale (awd: 11.2f, aei: 5.31) Crs 0 1 3 163 6-15rns 2 2 12 170 Breeder: Jean-Philippe Dubois Class 1 0 0 0 0 11-8 to 12st 3 1 7 169

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 3249 H 26Dec14 Kemp cls1G1Ch 114 24.0gs 7/10 311/2l Silviniaco Conti (11-10) 11-10 33/1 Nick Scholfield soon no impression and beaten 159 119 152

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2967 P 7Dec14 Hntg cls1G2Ch 35 20.5gs 3/6 13/4l Wishfull Thinking (11-6) 11-6 15/8 Sam Twiston-Davies lost 2nd last strides 159 149 170 2211a P 1Nov14 DRoy G2Ch 2820.0y 2/3 81/2l Don Cossack (11-12) 11-10 8/11F Sam Twiston-Davies kept on one pace 159 75 158 1837 P 10Oct14 NAbb cls2Ch 19 21.5s 1/5 3l Colour Squadron (10-8) 11-10 10/3 Sam Twiston-Davies ridden out 156 116 169 5154 P 4Apr14 Aint cls1NvG1Ch51 25.0g 3/6 17l Holywell (11-4) 11-4 4/1 Sam Twiston-Davies modest 3rd approaching last 158 134 155 4764 P 13Mar14 Chel cls1NvG1Ch69 20.0g 5/12 91/4l Taquin Du Seuil (11-4) 11-4 5/1 Daryl Jacob kept on to press for 4th run-in but no impression on leading trio 158 124 159 3064 P 13Dec13 Chel cls2NvCh 13 21.0g 2/5 1/2l Oscar Whisky (11-0) 11-8 5/4 Daryl Jacob kept on well run-in but always held by winner closing stages 152 136 163 2799 P 29Nov13 Newb cls1NvG2Ch18 20.0gs 1/4 6l Up To Something (11-8) 11-8 8/11F Daryl Jacob readily 152 106 156 2374 P 9Nov13 Winc cls1NvG2Ch18 21.0gs 1/4 1l Fox Appeal (11-2) 11-8 11/8F Nick Scholfield driven right out - 94 163 2063 P 25Oct13 Fknm cls3NvCh 7 21.5g 1/5 8l Bear's Affair (11-3) 11-3 8/11F Daryl Jacob easily - 63 159 NOTE-BOOK 2967 found the ground too soft and experienced breathing issues when beaten at Down Royal by Don Cossack, who has added the John Durkan Memorial. This surface was again easier than ideal, but he kept at it and looked the main threat to the winner halfway up the run-in. Given some genuine good ground he could well land a major prize. 2211a was trying to achieve the seventh successive win for his stable in the race but he was no match for the winner on the day. Generally, he was slightly outjumped by Don Cossack and was beaten by the second-last. His rider felt the ground was too soft and it should be noted how tired some of the Grade 1 stayers were in the previous event. 1837 , a dual Grade 2-winning novice last season, bravely got back to winning ways and once again advertised how decent he is when fresh. He appeared to go somewhat in snatches under a patient ride and came under pressure after four out, before having to swerve the faller three from home. As the runner-up began to wane he found a second wind, however, and gained reward nearing the last. The 6yo is smart on his day and does enjoy a sound surface, so it was no big surprise to hear Paul Nicholls say afterwards that he may avoid real winter ground later on. Nicholls also believes he'll come on nicely for it and a trip to Down Royal next month may be next. The yard has an outstanding record there. 5154 , better than the result suggests when fifth in the JLT at the festival, promised to be suited by the longer trip and he ran well without having the class to match the front pair. He doesn't look up to winning a Grade 1. 4764 's trainer has not found this week a happy hunting ground and he was well beaten. He did keep on up the home straight, suggesting he may want 3m on this sort of ground (ran in World Hurdle last term), but perhaps he just needed the run after a 90-day absence. A trip to Aintree, a track that ought to suit, would reveal more. 3064 tracked his main rival and in the main jumped with economic accuracy. His rider looked confident nearing the penultimate fence, but ultimately the hill played more into Oscar Whisky's hands and he was of course conceding him 8lb. It rates a sterling effort in defeat in what was unquestionably his stiffest task to date and he's now fully proved his effectiveness for the course, which is a big asset at the Festival here. Now due to be put away until the Festival, he can be backed as big as big as 10-1 for the Jewson, which is his probable target, and 14-1 for the RSA. 2799 made it 3-3 over fences with a taking display. Paul Nicholls' 5yo was better than the bare form of his win in this grade at Wincanton and, with this trainer in top form again, proved all the rage to extend his winning sequence. He wasn't always foot perfect, but could have been called the winner throughout the home straight and showed a willing attitude to put away the persistent challenge of the runner-up. This was run very much to suit him and it confirms him a classy operator, one of the best seen out to date this term in the novice chase division. He was entitled to win this, but the added experience will only be to his benefit and it will be fascinating to see if he sticks to this intermediate trip or chances his arm over 3m with a tilt at the RSA Chase in mind, remembering he did take in the World Hurdle back in March. His odds were predictably trimmed for both that and the 2m4f Jewson for next year's festival. 2374 made a pleasing start over fences at Fakenham when beating Bear's Affair and was going so well here leaving the back straight for the final time that his rider needed to take a pull. However, it was all change in the home straight as the runner-up quickened up, and it wasn't until after the final fence that the Paul Nicholls gelding hit top gear and steadily got to the front. There has to be a suspicion that he is a bit better than this result suggests and a race at Newbury's Hennessy meeting could be next. 2063 , who had last run in this year's World Hurdle, came here on the back of some glowing reports for this chase debut and connections should be delighted with this performance. He jumped like a natural throughout, really attacking his fences while also looking clever when short at a couple, with his rider barely having to move through the race before cruising clear of a decent rival, despite hitting the last. He'd had a bit of corrective surgery on his breathing since his last run and looks capable of holding his own in the top novice events this season. QUOTES 1837 Trainer Paul Nicholls: The ground was as soft as Wonderful Charm really wants and we have the option of going for the Grade 2 Chase at Down Royal we have win with Kauto Stone and Rolling Aces in the past or go to Cheltenham for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. 3064 To give 8lb to Oscar Whisky and come so close was an awesome performance. He has got experience of the track today and he won't run again now until the Festival. He'll get an entry for the RSA but it's 99.9 per cent certain that he'll run in the Jewson.-Paul Nicholls, trainer. 2799 It’s a great privilege to have a horse of this quality. I’d like to run him in the Jewson, he’s got a lot of speed so that two and a half miles should suit him and he clearly jumps well, he’s really clever when he needs to be.-Robin Geffet, owner. 2374 We have sorted out his breathing over the summer and he's a better horse for it. That ground would have been as soft as he wants but he might go to Newbury's Hennessy meeting for a two and a half mile novices chase. - Paul Nicholls, trainer

Wins Plcs Runs RPR Wins Plcs Runs RPR Ma Filleule 11-3 7-y-o grey mare Life 7 7 23 175 GF-Hd 0 0 0 0 Trainer: 14-days: 4-0-10 rtf% 60 Sire: Turgeon (awd: 10.4f, aei: 3.65) 14/05 0 1 3 170 G 1 0 5 175 Jockey: Barry Geraghty Dam: Kadaina (aei: 11.35) Dist 1 1 5 175 GS-Hvy 6 7 18 170 Owner: Simon Munir G Sire: Kadalko (awd: 12.0f, aei: 3.03) Crs 0 2 4 168 6-15rns 3 5 12 156 Breeder: Serge Dubois Sales: 130,000euros 4-y-o Class 1 0 3 5 169 11-1 to 11-7 1 2 6 175

date crs type £,000dist/gng pos/rn btnwinner/second (weight) wgt sp jockey comment OR TS RPR 4219 P 14Feb Asct cls1G1Ch 87 21.5s 2/5 31/4l Balder Succes (11-7) 11-0 4/1 Barry Geraghty stayed on but never able to challenge after 159 105 170 2934 H 6Dec14 Aint cls1LisCh 27 25.0g 3/4 11/2l Sam Winner (11-6) 10-13 2/1F Daryl Jacob lost 2nd towards finish but kept on under pressure 162 136 169 2210a P 1Nov14 DRoy G1Ch 7124.0y 5/8 65l Road To Riches (11-10) 11-3 9/2 Daryl Jacob tailed off 159 - 109 5156 P 4Apr14 Aint cls1G3ChHc68 21.5g 1/30 8l Bennys Mist (10-9) 11-7 9/1 Barry Geraghty very readily 150 163 175 4738 P 11Mar14 Chel cls1G3ChHc52 24.5gs 2/23 13/4l Holywell (11-6) 10-13 33/1 Nico de Boinville (5) outpaced by winner towards finish 143 134 168 3321 P 27Dec13 Kemp cls2ChHc 26 24.0s 1/9 hd Valoroso (10-11) 11-9 13/2 Barry Geraghty rallied to lead near finish 137 116 156 3082 P 14Dec13 Chel cls1G3ChHc57 21.0g PU/13 Double Ross (10-8) 11-3 14/1 Barry Geraghty tailed off when pulled up before 2 out 142 - - 2713 - 25Nov13 Kemp cls1LisHd 15 24.5g 3/5 11/2l Highland Retreat (10-12) 11-6 2/1 Barry Geraghty kept on but lost 2nd flat 134 74 138 5358 P 18Apr13 Chel cls1NvLisHd12 17.0gs 2/8 1l Doyly Carte (10-12) 11-3 5/4F Barry Geraghty kept on but always held by winner 134 92 147 4772 P 15Mar13 Chel cls2CdHdHc32 20.5s 13/23 813/4l Salubrious (11-5) 10-12 9/1 Jeremiah McGrath (3) beaten when hit 2 out 134 - 99 NOTE-BOOK 4219 ran a gallant race in defeat, on ground that certainly detracted from her chance. She went wide throughout and, showing her customary tough resolution after the run-in, connections will no doubt be delighted. She's fully entitled to renew rivalry at the festival, where the likely better going would be right up her alley, and we're now approaching her time of year. It was little surprise to see her into as short as 8-1. 2934 , behind Holywell (same weight difference as here) at Cheltenham in March, ran well below form at Down Royal on her first outing of the season in early November and was arguably a shade disappointing here after being able to chase a couple of horses who set the race up. 2210a had work to do on ratings and lacked an outing this season. She is a notably adept jumper and was still in contention for most of the race, only to get left behind after the final ditch. Only a six-year-old, she ought to have better days ahead and is not to be dismissed as a Grade 1 force. 5156 won convincingly, in the process defying of a mark of 150. The only mare in the race, she'd drawn clear with Holywell (winner of the Grade 1 staying novice at 2.30) when runner-up in what was clearly a strong edition of the Baylis & Harding Chase at Cheltenham and had no trouble defying a 7lb rise, recovering from an early mistake and jumping really boldly once coming through to take up a more prominent position. This was some effort from the 6yo, who herself now deserves to enter the discussion with next year's Gold Cup in mind, and she could easily follow the same path as the yard's winner of this race from 12 months ago, Triolo D'Alene, by going on to contest the Hennessy later in the year. 4738 , a narrow winner from 6lb lower at Kempton before Christmas, wasn't expected to have any trouble with the better ground and travelled into the lead looking the likely winner (this after her rider briefly lost an iron following a mistake three out), but having jumped the last, she was unable to fend off Holywell, who was always going to be the stronger stayer of the pair. She's highly progressive and still only a 6yo. 3321 , well beaten last time on her first try over British fences, put that behind her on ground that suits. She was never far away before being produced in the straight, but looked likely to be beaten on the run-in until her rider forced her head back in front near the line. She should not go up much for this and can win again given similar conditions. The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the mare compared with her previous run at Cheltenham on 14th December where the mare was pulled up. They noted the trainer's explanation that she was taken off her feet in a better class of race last time. They ordered that she be routine tested. 3082 made mistakes on this first run over British fences, and appears rather high in the weights in this sphere. 2713 , a winner three times over fences in France, had to concede the winner 8lb and as a result had 4lb to find. Tracking the winner her jumping was not as slick. She stayed the extended trip all right and the mares' programme should throw up easier opportunities over the coming months. 5358 , representing last year's winning connections, was a Grade 2 winner at Warwick in February and had to concede 5lb all round. She emerges best at the weights, but couldn't get past the winner, and is another likely chasing type on paper. 4772 , the winner of a mares' Grade 2 last time, looked a threat going to the second-last but made a mistake there and was soon done with. QUOTES 4219 Ma Filleule will come on for that and I suppose we better take the winner on again. I suspect the Ryanair is the right race for her. She travels and she jumps and if you went any further you wouldn't be able to fire her like you can over this trip - Nicky Henderson, trainer. 5156 She deserved that after Cheltenham. Part of the point was to see if the she could be a National horse in the future. She is quite young for a girl to be coming round here. - Nicky Henderson, trainer.

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Note: Racing Post and Topspeed ratings have been adjusted for age and today's weight. With the exception of the 'Life' Racing Post rating, those ratings alongside the summary statistics show the best Racing Post rating for each category to date starting two seasons ago i.e. if the current season is 2003 then ratings from 2001, 2002 and 2003 will count. In the summary statistics only ratings on the same surface are included for flat races and only races over the same obstacles are included for jumps races. The abbreviations H,L and P indicate a horse's style of running, H-Held up, L-Led, P-Pressed leaders. The abbreviation 'awd' stands for average winning distance and indicates the average winning distance of a sire or dam's progeny. Average winning distance statistics do not include 2-y-o races. The abbreviation 'aei' stands for average earnings index and indicates how much prize-money a sire or dam's progeny has earned compared with the average. The average is expressed as 1.0, therefore an aei of 1.5 indicates that a sire's progeny has earned 1 1/2 times the average. The rtf% after a trainer's 14-day record indicates the percentage of a stable's representatives that have run to form in the last 14 days.

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