TEMPLEGATE approaches Friday’s races with enthusiasm, aiming to uncover one or two winning selections.
Check out all his picks listed below.
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STUZZIKINI (2.50 Chepstow, nap)
He appeared to be a future National contender following his impressive win in the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan recently. He finished powerfully over three miles, showcasing his potential as a true stayer. There’s still room for growth beyond his current handicap rating.
BOOTHILL (2.30 Kempton, nb)
After falling in this race last year, he responded well with a strong second-place finish against Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham. Having come close to this top-class horse, he should perform well in these conditions and has a chance to replicate his success.
DR TJ ECKLEBURG (3.25 Chepstow, treble)
He looked to have plenty left in the tank when winning at Haydock recently, and a 7lb weight increase shouldn’t impede his performance.
Templegate’s evaluations
CHEPSTOW
1.05
NOCTE VOLATUS boasts an impressive record at Chepstow, having won convincingly against a large field over this distance last October.
He delivered another strong performance at Ascot, finishing well in the latter stages. Returning to the same handicap mark, he has a solid chance.
Lowry’s Bar secured his first chase win at Exeter 21 days ago and is still on an upward trajectory, although he may prefer softer ground, making him a notable threat.
Le Milos has dropped to 5lb below his last winning mark but has recently struggled to finish strong. A resurgence from the Skeltons wouldn’t be surprising.
Venetia Williams may not be as dominant as she was a few weeks back, but Georges Saint remains a threat.
Despite a tough outing at Ludlow last time, he managed a couple of solid wins over this distance before that, suggesting he could be ahead of the handicapper.
Fidelio Vallis was pulled up after a year-long absence at Newbury recently but showcased former brilliance with a win at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day.
1.40
NIETZSCHE HAS possesses an impressive French profile, narrowly missing victory in a Grade 1 at Auteuil last month.
He has good pace for this trip and prefers softer ground, which enhances the likelihood of improvement.
Opec earned a Listed win at Newbury last month with a convincing margin.
She managed the race diligently and benefits from the mares’ allowance, which bolsters her prospects. Even though this is tougher competition, she should handle it well.
Static, now under the guidance of Olly Murphy, finished third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 last time.
He’ll need to elevate his performance but is still early in his training with his new team.
Hot Fuss has shown promise on the flat and recently won his first hurdles race at Sandown. Although this race is notably stronger, he could still secure a place under Harry Cobden.
Melon posted a good time winning on his hurdles debut at Doncaster just two weeks ago. He will need to step up his game in this competitive field.
2.10
DANS LE VENT has dropped nearly a stone from his last winning hurdles mark and showed promise at Haydock last month.
He has plenty of stamina for this distance and is well-priced for a top-three finish for Welsh trainer Evan Williams.
Woodie Flash has improved while being held up in his last two outings, winning at Ffos Las and finishing a close second in competitive conditions at Lingfield recently.
A 5lb rise looks justifiable over his preferred distance.
Madaket finished just behind Woodie Flash last time and is 3lb better off in the weights today.
Phantomofthepoints would benefit from more rain, as he thrives in muddy conditions and was close at Haydock last month. He is a genuine stayer who may take the lead and secure a favorable position.
Bill Baxter made a return to hurdles, finishing second at Uttoxeter recently, and holds each-way prospects at this revised mark.
Tune In A Box triumphed at a prominent event at Punchestown in April and followed it up with a strong fourth at Cheltenham recently. He is suited for this distance.
2.50
STUZZIKINI demonstrated his status as a National contender by winning the Troytown for Gordon Elliott at Navan recently.
He finished strongly over three miles and exhibits the traits of a genuine stayer. He has the potential to surpass his current handicap rating.
Elliott also brings a strong competitor with Where It All Began under Sean Bowen. He finished respectably in eighth at the Irish National and arrives here fresh.
Galia Des Liteaux has been prepared for this and performed creditably in the Coral Cup at Newbury recently. He would appreciate softer ground but should remain competitive.
Iron Bridge, a distant third in this race last year, runs 6lb lighter in the handicap today and has a reasonable chance of matching that performance.
Monbeg Genius finished strong as a runner-up at Haydock during his return and has shown past success here. He should excel in this stamina challenge.
Fontaine Collonges carries a hefty weight but impressed by defeating Monbeg Genius at Haydock most recently.
He’s up 8lb, but should stay competitive, although softer ground would favor the Venetia Williams runner more.
Sam Thomas’s pair, 2021 winner Iwilldoit and Jubilee Express, both have place prospects, although they would prefer more rain-soaked ground.
KEMPTON
1.20
LARCHMONT LASS found 2m4f slightly too short while finishing a reasonable third at Sandown last time.
She was significantly better suited by a more challenging test at Wetherby, winning on her return, and looks ready for improvement with Nicholls and Cobden.
Fortuna Ligna appears to be a solid each-way option after a commendable performance at Ascot last time. She can be erratic but has a decent engine.
Pawpuri showed signs of rust in her first hurdles outing for nearly a year last month but ran well for a long stretch before tiring late on.
This longer distance should suit her, making her a strong contender.
West Balboa is on the verge of becoming disappointing, despite having more talent than she’s shown lately.
She is capable of much better than what was displayed at Doncaster last time, especially with a valuable 7lb concession from her rider.
Della Casa Lunga captured a solid second in Listed company last time and has undergone a wind operation since. She needs to recapture her best form.
1.55
This promises to be an exciting contest as first-time chaser SIR GINO might outshine Ballyburn.
Nicky Henderson has praised Sir Gino’s schooling, and he proved his worth by winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth over hurdles at Newcastle last month.
His best performances have come over this distance, and his course victory gives him a unique advantage.
Good ground is beneficial for him, while Ballyburn has only shown competitive form in softer conditions.
Willie Mullins’ entry is formidable and appeared effortless while winning his chase debut at Punchestown last time by 13 lengths.
He won a Grade 1 at this distance, though he looks like he may benefit from extra distance.
It would be surprising if Rubaud performed well on his chase debut despite solid hurdles form.
He claimed Listed honors at this course and distance in October, but this competition is tougher.
2.30
BOOTHILL fell in this race last year but showed excellent form with a second-place finish against Jonbon in the Shloer at Cheltenham recently.
He kept pace with that top horse and should appreciate these conditions; a repeat performance might suffice.
Martator continues to show no signs of slowing down after winning comfortably by 11 lengths at Ascot last month.
That victory marked his fifth consecutive win for Venetia Williams, and he is adept over this distance on good ground.
The handicapper has raised him another 11lb, but that may not be enough to hinder him.
Edwardstone finished behind the tip in the Shloer before falling in the Tingle Creek last time.
He was still going well when he fell four out but may struggle carrying top weight in this competitive field.
Sans Bruit was unable to match Martator last time, leaving uncertainty about any turnaround in form today.
3.08
FRERO BANBOU won convincingly at Newcastle last time, and a 7lb increase does not pose an issue, as he has triumphed at this mark before.
Jockey Charlie Deutsch has shown his proficiency with stamina-chasers this season, positioning him well for another victory with Venetia Williams.
Weveallbeencaught is expected to be more at ease at this level after being pulled up at Cheltenham last month.
His prior performance at this grade led to a close second, making him a solid each-way prospect.
Dreaming Blue has shown an affinity for the longer distance with a winning performance at Ludlow last time, though he occasionally makes mistakes. A 3lb increase seems fair.
Highstakesplayer previously won over course and distance in April and secured a strong second-place finish at Ascot before a subpar effort at Newbury last time. He has been dropped to an appropriate level here.
Golden Son has demonstrated improved form at this specialist circuit and will be fitter following a rusty return at Newbury recently.
Templegate’s selections
WETHERBY
11.50 Let’s Go Joe
Returned to form with a victory at Doncaster last time.
12.25 Maghlaak
Strong on the flat and knocking on the door as a hurdler.
1.00 Campaign Trail
Had a winning debut at Doncaster recently.
1.35 Dare To Shout
Consistent performer, came close at Kelso last time.
2.15 Cruden
Started well over hurdles at Cork and has switched stables since.
2.45 Pay The Piper
Performed admirably on his last two visits to this venue.
3.20 Blue Bellamy
Strong in points and nearly won at Market Rasen last time.
CHEPSTOW
12.00 Julius Des Pictons
Victory last time, with moderate miles completed.
12.30 King William Rufus
Finally secured a win at Ascot and is back under penalty.
1.05 Lowry’s Bar
Solid performance over fences at Exeter, with more to offer.
1.40 Nietzsche Has
Consistent, nearly captured a French Grade 1 last time.
2.10 Dans Le Vent
Ready for a return to optimal distance.
2.50 Stuzzikini (nap)
Improving stayer, in excellent form at Navan most recently.
3.25 Dr TJ Eckleburg (treble)
Won impressively at Haydock recently, and the form has been validated.
KEMPTON
12.45 Nardaran
Flat winner, looks poised for a strong start under Paul Nicholls.
1.20 Larchmont Lass
Likelihood to strike again now back at her preferred distance.
1.55 Sir Gino
Class act over hurdles; positive feedback from schooling.
2.30 Boothill (nb)
Winning history here and strong run behind Jonbon previously.
3.08 Frero Banbou
Thrived on the challenging trip when winning at Newcastle recently.
3.38 Willmount
Potential to revive his career under Nicky Henderson’s guidance.
WOLVERHAMPTON
4.00 Havana Sky
Continuing a winning streak, with another excellent opportunity ahead.
4.30 Enacting
Demonstrated promise in both outings, with more improvements to unveil.
5.00 Best Rate
Finished strongly to place fifth at Lingfield last time out.
5.30 Merchant
Showed improvement post-debut, finishing second at Newcastle recently.
6.00 Currumbin
Strong start for this stable with a win at Southwell recently.
6.30 One Night Stand
Displayed best form over this course and distance.
7.00 Come On John
Consistently put in solid performances, strong run most recently.
7.30 Master Of Combat
Capable of achieving his fifth win here from a competitive handicap mark.
8.00 Forever Proud
Secured a strong second over this course and distance last time.
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