TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for the final Saturday of racing before the Cheltenham Festival, with aspirations to enhance the funds for the big event.
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MEETMEBYTHESEA (1.50 Sandown, nap)
This horse is primed to start a fantastic week for owner JP McManus, who boasts numerous opportunities at the Cheltenham Festival. This five-year-old began with two impressive victories at Ludlow and replicated that performance at Doncaster most recently. The handicapper has shown leniency with an initial rating of 128, particularly with top claimer Callum Pritchard taking off a helpful 5lb. Trainer Ben Pauling is in fine form and looks to replicate last year’s success in this challenging race.
BATMAN GIRAC (2.25 Sandown, nb)
Willie Mullins has brought this horse across for a chance at the Imperial Cup and the £100,000 bonus for a win at Cheltenham afterward. This is the first time in a decade that the champion trainer has targeted this race, and this five-year-old has Grade 1 experience. He was in contention at Leopardstown before falling and is likely to rebound.
FINAL VOYAGE (2.45 Wolverhampton, treble)
This horse finished a close second in this race last year, and trainer Johnny Murtagh has him specifically prepared for another shot. He narrowly missed victory at Dundalk recently, and the accomplished jockey Billy Loughnane is taking the ride.
Templegate’s key race insights
SANDOWN
1.50
MEETMEBYTHESEA is poised to impress on his handicap debut after three strong outings at novice levels.
He convincingly defeated The Kemble Brewery at Ludlow in December and returned to win again there most recently.
With excellent 5lb claimer Callum Pritchard aboard, he seems well-suited to this longer distance and is gearing up to seize a significant week for JP McManus.
Paul Nicholls has demonstrated solid recent results in this race, and his Belliano was impressive at Market Rasen last time.
He has proven stamina and should be a competitive force under Harry Cobden.
The Kemble Brewery hasn’t raced since being defeated by my selection but is also anticipated to show improvement for this tougher challenge, though the top weight adds complexity.
George’s Lad made a strong move when winning at Doncaster last time and represents solid each-way value for Emma Lavelle.
Kepler’s Law won decisively at Leicester and provides good value at generous odds.
2.25
BATMAN GIRAC has demonstrated his capability at Grade 1 level and was a contender in a tough handicap at Leopardstown prior to his fall.
Willie Mullins wouldn’t have traveled unless he was confident in his recovery, and he seems to possess a manageable handicap rating.
Spirits Bay had a good run behind Constitution Hill recently after several solid handicap performances.
He enjoys this distance and may well be ahead of the handicapper.
Go Dante won this race last year and has been aimed for another strong performance.
He races 2lb lighter this time around, and significant improvements should be expected.
Bo Zenith has encountered challenges but was narrowly outclassed in a photo for a Grade 1 when at his peak and needed the last outing at Ascot. He still holds enough quality to contend.
3.00
CHARISMA CAT finished strong in second during her last outing at Market Rasen.
She met some unfavorable ground at a crucial moment, and the finish line came too soon for her, presenting an opportunity for redemption.
Dream Shadow finished behind her in third and may track my selection again.
Supreme Malinas progressed steadily when placing third at Windsor last time and remains competitive under a 4lb penalty.
A Path To Ronda won convincingly on debut at Uttoxeter and merits this chance in tougher competition.
3.35
GOSHEN’s last victory came over fences at Exeter four races ago, and he displayed solid form last month with a third-place finish against tougher hurdles competition.
While he poses a significant risk due to his unpredictable nature, he excels when racing right-handed and offers decent odds for a win.
Dreaming Blue finished strongly in second here last time, operates at a reasonable mark, and stays well, making him a contender.
Hoe Joly Smoke had a great showing in his victory here in December but faltered at Newbury; he has had a break since and could rebound.
HEREFORD
2.05
WILLIETHEBUILDER has respectable hurdles form and has always seemed destined to become a chaser.
This distance fits him well, and he faces a manageable race for his handicap debut.
He has the potential to make a notable impact with Tristan Durrell aboard, who offers a helpful 3lb claim.
Western General won at Wincanton last month by ten lengths.
Although he has not been the most consistent, following a win at Newton Abbot last year with a couple of disappointing outings.
He faces a 10lb rise but may still prove competitive.
Hypotenus hasn’t secured a win over fences yet but placed a solid third at Sandown last time.
He has benefited from a weight drop, which should enhance his chances.
Mackenberg may prefer quicker ground but has much to prove with first-time cheekpieces.
WOLVERHAMPTON
2.45
FINAL VOYAGE was narrowly defeated by Kingdom Come in this race last year, and they will meet again.
Johnny Murtagh’s horse is 1lb better off this time and benefits from the capable Billy Loughnane in the saddle.
While his draw could be improved, he is well-prepared for this contest and showed good form at Dundalk last time.
Kingdom Come hasn’t won since this race, and Clive Cox has managed his participation to maintain his handicap rating.
He will be ready to compete here.
Local Hero has demonstrated solid form at Kempton with a win, followed by an unlucky fourth last time.
He could still be ahead of the handicapper and enjoys this distance.
Symbol Of Light made a strong return to form with a victory at Southwell and should contend for a place despite an 8lb increase.
Whip Cracker finished in the top three in a couple of Listed events last year but may need this initial run back.
3.20
ROYAL ZABEEL appears underrated for a horse that has performed admirably in some competitive all-weather handicaps.
He clocked an impressive time winning at Southwell in December and followed up with another victory over this distance.
He may have gone too quickly when narrowly losing at Southwell last time, finishing just a neck behind. He’s fit and ready to perform again.
Jabaara was runner-up in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes last summer but hasn’t raced since first past the post in a Group 3 at Glorious Goodwood. She will be a significant threat if in good form.
Al Shabab Storm was a Listed winner last season, and his affinity for Chester bodes well for this tight track. He is an intriguing entry on debut for Marco Botti.
Fair Angellica concluded her last season with a solid performance in a Group 3 at Doncaster and has winning form on the sand at this distance.
She also has a break to overcome but should not be overlooked.
Templegate’s picks
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