TEMPLEGATE is gearing up for a thrilling afternoon of racing, feeling hopeful about landing some winners ahead of the festive season.

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CHIANTI CLASSICO (1.50 Cheltenham, nap)

This horse possesses enough class to carry weight after his stunning comeback victory at Ascot last month. He displayed his talent when winning the Ultima at this year’s Festival and performed admirably in a Grade 1 at Aintree. His exceptional jumping ability stands out, and trainer Kim Bailey has made a fantastic start to the season.

SHAN BLUE (2.25 Cheltenham, nb)

He had a couple of strong performances towards the end of last season and returned with a promising fourth at Bangor last time. He traveled well for a significant period on the challenging ground and should thrive in these potentially better conditions. While he can be inconsistent, this is his first attempt at a veterans’ race, which could work to his advantage given his declining mark.

DOYEN QUEST (3.35 Cheltenham, treble)

He secured a comfortable victory last time despite a stumble at the second-last flight. Harry Skelton barely had to urge him on before he surged ahead in the final furlong to win comfortably. The handicapper might have been a bit severe with a 10lb increase, but there’s still more to come, and he’s known for his strong staying power.

Templegate’s TV verdicts

CHELTENHAM

12.10

THAT’S NICE can take full advantage of the 7lb allowance she gets from the boys and looked a strong contender when winning on her debut at Warwick last month.

Nico De Boinville didn’t need to ask for much more as she clinched a cheeky victory, and she can improve on that performance.

Country Mile performed well in a Haydock Grade 2 last month, although a mistake at the final flight cost him. This improved ground should suit the Skelton runner, who has plenty more to give.

Wingmen controlled the pace to win on hurdles debut at Navan 27 days ago. He had plenty left to give and is a contender for further progression.

Palacio barely edged a win from the front at Chepstow, but this race is a significantly greater challenge.

12.40

CALDWELL POTTER began to pay back a tiny portion of his hefty purchase price with a striking win on chase debut at Carlisle 12 days ago.

He displayed proficient jumping skills and is expected to improve considerably from that comeback effort. Once a Grade 1 contender over hurdles, he appears tough to beat now.

Jango Baie has also shined over timber and was unfortunately second in his last race at Aintree. Nicky Henderson has felt positive about his schooling.

Springwell Bay struggled over three miles last time here after impressively winning a Listed race at this distance. He’s set the bar for the rest to aim at.

Deafening Silence wasn’t pushed too hard on his chase debut and will need to step up to be competitive.

1.15

VALGRAND will be significantly happier returning to this distance, having started the season with a Grade 2 victory on the Old course.

He won that race by 17 lengths but couldn’t match the potential superstar Potters Charm over 2m5f last time.

He carries top weight, yet his initial mark could be generous, and the decent ground will suit him well.

Willmount appeared to be a promising candidate when winning on hurdles debut at Newbury last year but suffered an injury in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle.

After 349 days off, he may require the run; however, he could be well-rated by the handicapper.

To Chase A Dream has been impressive with consecutive wins at Carlisle. He arrives here with a solid chance under a penalty, and the booking of Harry Cobden is notable.

Tintintin put in a commendable effort finishing fourth in the Greatwood Hurdle last month. He returns at the same mark and has good place prospects once again.

Bo Zenith is an intriguing entry from Nicky Henderson following a 610-day absence. His last outing was a close second at Aintree Grade 1, so he commands attention even if he might need the run.

Mirabad lost his chance at Ascot last time after hitting the final flight hard and could have strong place prospects.

1.50

CHIANTI CLASSICO highlights his class to carry weight after his dynamic comeback win at Ascot last month.

He demonstrated his quality by winning the Ultima at this year’s Festival and retaining his position in a Grade 1 at Aintree.

His primary strength lies in his phenomenal jumping, and trainer Kim Bailey has made a powerful start to the season.

King Turgeon was impressive in the Grand Sefton Chase over the National fences at Aintree early last month.

He intended to participate in last week’s Becher Chase but will return for a conventional fence trial at Chepstow, showcasing his flexibility. He is expected to compete robustly again.

Java Point finished behind a couple of horses in an amateurs’ contest here four weeks ago.

He was narrowly denied up the hill but doesn’t lack stamina, positioning him well to contend again.

The Newest One finished fourth in that amateurs’ race after leading early on. He’s gradually climbing the weights yet remains consistent.

Ballygrifincottage sustained a heavy fall here last time and may struggle with the hill.

2.25

SHAN BLUE produced a couple of solid finishes towards the tail end of last season and put in a respectable fourth on his return at Bangor last time.

He coped well with the tough ground and is expected to thrive in these possibly improved conditions.

He can be unpredictable, but this is his initial venture into a veterans’ race, which could assist him with a dropping mark.

Dashel Drasher hasn’t won over fences since the 2021 Ascot Chase, but performed solidly when returning at Grade 2 level and will be more conditioned for that outing.

He’s known for his resilience, and his last handicap win was at this mark.

Shakem Up’Arry competes well fresh and exceeded expectations in the Festival Plate during his last visit to Cheltenham. At a reasonable 6lb higher, he remains a contender to watch.

Eldorado Allen delivered a respectable effort on his return at Warwick. Despite carrying a notable weight, he has previous successes here and may compete strongly for trainer Joe Tizzard.

3.00

MISTER COFFEY gets one last chance from me to finally achieve his first win over fences.

After a nine-month layoff, he returned with a strong performance on this cross-country course last time, finishing second while the winner went ahead.

With Nico De Boinville now aware he can handle the distance, he can position the Nicky Henderson chaser closer to the early pace and has been favorably reduced in weight.

Delta Work has an impressive track record here and poses a considerable threat. He might have been a bit rusty during his last return at Down Royal last month, but he’s expected to showcase his full potential this time.

With Rob James taking off 7lb, he won’t even be carrying top weight.

Stumptown is in fantastic form over the Punchestown cross-country circuit and possesses ample stamina.

Arizona Cardinal needed his comeback at Chepstow and should adapt well to this track. He can perform strongly if his stamina holds up, while Iceo Madrik arrives from France with every chance of achieving a cross-country hat-trick from a much lower weight.

3.35

DOYEN QUEST delivered a comfortable win here last time out, even after a stumble at the second-last flight.

Harry Skelton hardly needed to urge him on before he shifted into high gear in the final furlong to decisively pull ahead.

While the handicapper may have been somewhat harsh in issuing a 10lb rise, there is scope for further improvement, and we know he possesses stamina.

Gowel Road was the runner-up to this choice last time and stands a good chance of placing again.

He’s 8lb better off at the weights, but it might be tough to turn the tables.

Long Draw has been gradually improving and finished second here last month, marking four consecutive runner-up finishes.

In-form trainer Olly Murphy is upping him in distance today, which could lead to improvement. Being only five years old, he has plenty more to offer.

Might I found his form with a win at Bangor last month. Soft ground is ideal for him, so any additional rain would enhance his prospects.

It’s interesting to see Nicky Henderson send Bhaloo back over hurdles after his chase debut victory at Ascot.

He performed admirably in his only handicap outing, finishing a solid second at Warwick in May, and could be extremely well handicapped for each-way players.

High Game Royal was narrowly caught on the line after leading for a considerable time at Lingfield last time and seems capable of finishing strongly with further improvements expected from his in-form trainer.

BANGOR

2.05

SKUNA BAY has demonstrated potential, finishing third on debut at Carlisle last month.

He wasn’t pushed too hard by Brian Hughes and finished with something left in the tank.

He’s expected to show marked improvement from that experience and is bred to excel in terms of stamina.

Kevin’s Pride was narrowly defeated on his hurdling debut at Carlisle, finishing just a neck behind. He showed strength up the hill at the Cumbrian track and should handle these testing conditions well.

Theatre Tom finished a fair distance third here on debut but displayed some promise, making him a contender for a place.

Edmond comes from the successful Venetia Williams stable.

She delivered a bumper victory back in May 2023 and needed her last outing at Ffos Las last month. Expect further improvement from her.

2.40

THANKSFORTHEHELP is also entered in the last race at Cheltenham, but this is his top choice, and he has the capability to win it.

He placed a commendable fourth at Prestbury Park last month, displaying his stamina across three miles effectively.

David Pipe’s runner is significantly down the weights; any performance resembling his best would be sufficient.

Plaisir Des Flos is a consistent winner who showed merit finishing third after being impeded at Cheltenham four weeks ago.

This will be his first trial at three miles, and he stands a solid chance if he can endure the distance.

Schalke showcased his best performance for a long time, finishing third over course and distance on his return. He favors heavy ground and can secure another solid position.

Strackan and Mahland both come off recent wins and should thrive in these conditions.

Templegate’s tips

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